
Book H5"A 

Copyright ]^^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



VALLEY FORGE 

GUIDE AND HAND-BOOK 






VALLEY FORGE 

GUIDE AND HAND-BOOK 



By 

Rev. JAMES W. RIDDLE, A.M. 

Member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania ; Member 
Philadelphia Baptist Ministers Conference 



"•If there is a spot on the face of our broad land where patriot- 
ism should delight to pile its highest and most venerated monu- 
ments, it should be in the bosom of that rugged gorge on the bank 
of the Schuylkill, twenty miles northwest from Philadelphia, 
known as Valley Forge, where the American Army was encamped 
during that terrible winter of 1777-8." — Lossing. 

"■Valley Forge, the 'Mecca of America,' where civilians will 
flock to imbibe lessons of patriotism, and soldiers to acquire in- 
spiration of valor." — Ex. Gov. Pollock. 

"No spot on earth — not the plains of Marathon, nor the passes 
of Sempach, nor the place of the Bastile, nor the dykes of Holland, 
nor the moores of England, are so sacred in the history of the 
struggle for human liberty as Valley Forge." 

— CVRUS TOWNSEND BrADY. 



PHILADELPHIA : Press of J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY 
1910 




•^>^4^.MW^ 






Copyright, 1910 

BY 

James W. Riddle. 



©CI.A268075 



DEDICATION 



AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR 
TO THE MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED WIFE, 
ANNA MARGARET SOWER RIDDLE, WHO DIED 
AT VALLEY FORGE, APRIL, 25TH, 1909, AND 
WHOSE BIRTH PLACE WAS FOUR MILES DIS- 
TANT— CORNER STORES :: :: :: •. 



PREFACE 



THE purpose of the writer in the preparation of 
this work, as indicated by its title, has been 
to present in concise, yet attractive, and 
convenient form the story of the Valley Forge en- 
campment in its Revolutionary setting; with it, a de- 
scriptive account of the Memorial park with its objects 
of interest, and a summary of important historical and 
topographical facts respecting the village itself. The 
sources of information consulted have been numerous 
and varied, and when quotation is made from these, due 
credit is invariably given. Special effort has been made 
to gain access to original papers and documents, and in 
local matters of modern date consultation has been 
sought with intelligent citizens. The work of research, 
instead of a task, has been a delightful recreation, and 
the author's thanks are due to all who in any way have 
contributed to make it fruitful. One embarrassment, 
not unlooked for, has been met with in the work, namely: 
the encounter of numerous discrepant and often conflict- 
ing statements relative to matters and questions of fact, 
rendering it difficult for one to reach a definite or fixed 
conclusion. Where reasonable effort to discover the 
truth in such cases has appeared unavailing, the con- 
flicting information is given, and the reader is left to his 
own conclusion or personal investigation. 

The subject matter of the book, it will be noted, is 
introduced under two sections. The first is arranged 
for rapid or hasty reading, while the second, with a sys- 



tern of ready reference, is intended to furnish supple- 
mentary information, and may be perused at leisure. 

It is not claimed for the work that it is free from mis- 
take or error. It would be a marvel if it were so; but the 
desire is to make it, in future editions at least, as com- 
plete and trustworthy a compendium of important facts 
relative to Valley Forge as it is possible to present; and 
the author will gladly, and gratefully, welcome from any 
source any suggestion by way of correction or improve- 
ment that may occur to the intelligent reader. 

That the book as it goes forth may help to swell the 
tide of public interest in Valley Forge, and the greater 
tide of national patriotism is the one desire and humble 
hope of 

The Author. 




BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS 



SECTION I. 

Valley Forge — How Reached — Romantic Location — Oddity of 
Name — The Village — The Encampment — Chart and Description of 
Camp — Location of Brigades — Number of Troops — The Commander-in- 
Chief — Hut-Building — Scarcity of Supplies — Hardship and Suffering 
— Disease and Death — Lights and Shadows — Camp Sport and Merri- 
ment — A Gala Day — Religious Services — Camp Routine — Picket and 
Guard Duty — Mrs. Washington in Camp^Coming of Spring — Watching 
THE Enemy — Breaking of Camp, June 19. 

The Village and the Park — Points and Objects of Interest in 
Each — What to see in the Village — Washington's Headquarters — 
Washington Inn — The Old Forge (Reproduced) — Site of Artificers 
Camp — Steuben's Headquarters, etc. 

What to see in the Park — Entrenchments — Forts — Monuments — 
Camp School House — Hospital and Soldier Huts (Reproduced) — Bake 
Ovens — Soldiers' Graves — General's Headquarters — Memorial 
Chapel — Mount Joy Observatory, etc 13-52 

SECTION II. 

A PREFATORY SUGGESTION. 

Condition of Country in Revolutionary Period — Population, 
Transportation, Postal Facilities, Newspapers, Agriculture, Manu- 
factures, etc. 53-58 

MOVEMENTS OF THE ARMY JUST PRIOR TO THE 
ENCAMPMENT 

Whitemarsh — Skirmish with the British— Gulph Mills — Snow 
Storm — Arrival at Valley Forge 58-60 

LIFE IN THE CAMP. 

Address to the Troops — A Bit of Good News — Hut, Fortification, 
AND Bridge Building — The Daily Ration — The Sutlery — A Camp 
Store — The Reveille — Guard Mount — The Artificers, Pioneers, 



Sappers and Miners — Having A Good Time — Law Breaking — pRovosf 
Guard — Court Martial — Punishment — Flogging — Sparks from the 
Camp Fires — List of Generals and other Notables in Camp — Mc- 
Intosh's Headquarters, etc 60—82 

DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS. 

Lack of Food and Clothing — Plain Talk by Washington to Con- 
gress — Sickening Revelations — Resolution and Fortitude — Small-pox 
AND Fever — Hospitals and Relief Work, etc 83-90 

VILLAGE LANDMARKS NOW OBLITERATED. 

The Old Forge — The Gun Factory, (Musketry Then and Now) — 
Grist and Saw Mills — The Paper Mill — Shoddy Factory — Brew 
House, etc 90-101 

SIDE-LIGHT FACTS AND ITEMS. 

Washington's Career in Brief — An Eloquent Tribute — The Con- 
way Cabal — Birth-Day Anniversary — Mrs. Washington — Dining the 
Officers — Meal-Time in one of the Huts — Favorite War Horse — 
Father of His Country — Visits the Old Camp Ground in 1787 — Patriot- 
ism of the Women — British Engineer's Journal — A Stunning News- 
paper Report — Oath of Allegiance — Little Burr — ^The Navy in 1776 — 
Length and Cost of the War, and Number of Troops Enlisted, 

ETC 102-120 

DEVELOPMENT OF THE VALLEY FORGE IDEA. 

Miss Thropp — Centennial Celebration — Monumental and Memo- 
rial Associations — P. O. S. of A. — Park Commission, etc ; with Numer- 
ous Additional Facts and Incidents gathered from Original 
Sources 121-126 

Index ..... 127-13° 



SECTION ONE 




VALLEY FORGE 



THE super-eminent distinction of Valley Forge 
lies in the fact that in the American Revolu- 
tion it was the winter quarters of Washington 
and his patriot army in the trying winter of 1777-8. 

The encampment was for a period of exactly six 
months, from the 19th of December to the 19th of June. 

It is the story of this encampment, with its harrowing 
details of hardship and suffering, that has given to the 
locality its unique place in American history, and clothed 
it with patriotic interest wide-spread and enduring as the 
nation itself. 

Here no battle was fought, here no cruel ravages 
were wrought by onslaught of the enemy, but the trials 
endured and the human life here sacrificed on the altar 
of liberty during this, the most crucial period of the war 
for American Independence, render it eminently fitting, 
in history as in song, that the place should be extolled 
and venerated as: 



The Nation's Shrine" 



HOW REACHED 

To Valley Forge from Philadelphia the distance by 
road is about 21 miles; by rail it is 24, the railway follow- 
ing the windings of the Schuylkill river. The route for 
pedestrians, and persons going by private conveyance, 
is by way of the Lancaster pike through Overbrook, 
Bryn Mawr and Gulph Mills. The route by rail is over 
the Philadelphia & Reading road from the Reading 
Terminal. 

The regular fare, single trip, is 58 cents, but excur- 
sion tickets at a less rate are obtainable during the sum- 
mer season. 

From Norristown the distance is about 8 miles. 
From Phoenixville, which lies beyond Valley Forge, the 
distance is 5 miles. 

A trolley company, named the '* Phoenixville, Valley 
Forge, (Bridgeport) & Strafford Electric Railway Co." 
(the name indicating its route), is just completing its 
line as far as Valley Forge, and expects in the near 
future to have cars running over its entire route. When 
this is accomplished Valley Forge will be made easily 
accessible from all parts of the surrounding territory. 

The trolley route from Philadelphia will then be via 
69th and Market Streets, Strafford, and King of Prussia; 
or, via Chestnut Hill, Norristown, Bridgeport, and 
King of Prussia. 

ROMANTIC LOCATION 

The place is picturesquely situated near the mouth 
of Valley Creek, where the latter, after coursing for more 
than a mile amid wooded hills and through deep ravines, 
loses itself in the waters of the Schuylkill river. 



A mill-dam thrown across the stream near the center 
of the village adds to the impressive scenery by the crea- 
tion of a diminutive lake, an artificial gem, whose strik- 
ing beauty is made complete by the romantic charm of 
the lofty hills which seem to encase it on every side. 

In the accompanying view of the lake, looking south- 




RIDDLE S LANDING 



ward from Riddle's Landing, Chester Co. side, Mt. Joy 
appears on the left, Mt. Misery on the right — names 
given to these hills not from camp experiences of the. 
Revolutionary soldier, nor at the time of the encamp- 
ment, but long prior. The tradition is, that in the early 
days of the colony, while a party of explorers were en- 
camped for a time near by on the bank of the Schuylkill, 

15 



two of the party lost their way in these hills, and after 
stumbling and blundering all night amid the wilds of 
the one on the right, towards morning they crossed the 
creek, ascended the other, and from the top, through an 
opening, just as the sun was rising, caught joyous sight 
of their camp. This mountain they called Mt. Joy, that 
on the other side of the creek, Mt. Misery. It is said that 
one of the party was no less distinguished a person than 
William Penn, the Proprietor of the Colony. 

ODDITY OF NAME 

The encampment and place received their name, as 
is generally known, from the existence near by of a small 
forge in the time of the Revolution — not a forge in the 
sense of a smithy, or blacksmith shop, as some have 
inferred (although some smithy work no doubt was per- 
formed in it), but a small mill in which, by the old-time 
refining process, pig iron was changed into wrought iron, 
and put into shape for the varied uses of commerce. It 
was one of a considerable number of its class at that 
time in operation in the colony. This forge stood, as is 
generally conceded, on the western, or Chester Co., side 
of the creek, about five-eights of a mile from its mouth, 
where the site is still pointed out. ^ It was built not later 
than 1 75 1, probably by Daniel Walker. It was owned 
and operated at the time of the Revolution by David 
Potts and William Dewees. It was burned about Septem- 
ber 23d by British soldiers in a raid through the place, 
as a portion of Howe's troops on their way from French 
Creek (Phoenixville) crossed the Schuylkill at Fatland 
ford and proceeded thence toward Philadelphia.^ This 

*See pages 30 and 90. ^ Page 102. 

16 



was nearly three months before the Washington encamp- 
ment. It was formerly known as Mt. Joy forge, belong- 
ing, as it did, to the Mt. Joy Manor, but before the Revo- 
lution it had come naturally to be designated as Valley 
Forge, from its location on Valley Creek. After its 
destruction by the British it was never rebuilt. 

THE PRESENT VILLAGE 

The village practically has but two streets, the old 
Gulph road, which dates from before the Revolution, run- 
ning east and west, and the Valley Creek road, built in 
1 83 1, which crosses the Gulph road at right angles in the 
heart of the village, and follows the course of the creek. 

Half the village is in Schuylkill township, Chester 
Co., the other half in Upper Merion township, Mont- 
gomery Co., Valley Creek being the dividing line. A 
stone bridge spans the stream a hundred yards west of 
the intersection of the two roads; and in the middle of 
the bridge on either side may be observed a stone which 
marks the county line. 

The present population is between three and four hun- 
dred. The village, considerably scattered, contains 
about fifty dwelling houses, three hotels, three churches, 
two schoolhouses, a P. O. S. of A. hall, with public library, 
two general stores, a souvenir shop, a barber shop, a 
woolen yarn factory, a blacksmith shop, a sand-stone 
crusher, an establishment for bottling spring water, a 
post office, and the railway station. The post office is in 
Chester County, the railway station in Montgomery Co, 

Among its buildings are many ancient and quaint- 
looking stone structures, some of which date back to the 
period of the Revolution. Some, however, which are 

17 



represented on current post cards as "Old Barracks," 
date no farther back than the early half of the last century. 
At the time of the encampment the neighborhood 
naturally was but sparsely settled. The encampment 
was located on the surrounding hills, principally in 
Montgomery County, but extending into Chester County 
on the south and west. 




THE ENCAMPMENT 



The troops under the immediate command of 
General Washington were those comprised in what 
was designated as the Middle department of the 




PLAN OF WORKS OF THE VALLEY FORGE ENCAMPMENT. 

Continental Army — the Northern and Southern 
departments being commanded separately by generals 
appointed to the position by Congress, but subject to 
the Commander-in-Chief. 

In all respects Washington's was the department 
preeminent. 

In emphasis of this in addressing his men on one 
occasion he said : " The General wishes the troops to 

19 



consider that this is the Grand American Army and 
that of course great things are expected of it." 

OUTLINE OF ENCAMPMENT 

In "Futhey and Cope's History of Chester County" 
is 2;iven the following outline description of the encamp- 
ment: 

"The encampment was partly in Tredyffrin town- 
ship, the line between Chester and Montgomery Coun- 
ties running through the encampment. The headquar- 
ters of Lafayette, Wayne, Knox and Woodford were in 
Tredyffrin, as was also the camps of the forces of Wayne 
and Scott, and a part of Woodford's and Poor's. 

The encampment was about two miles in length, its 
eastern extremity resting near the present site of Port 
Kennedy; and stretching in a semi-circle to the north- 
west as far as the Gulph road were the Brigades of 
Muhlenberg, Patterson, Learned, Weeden and Glover. 
Continuing w^est of the road were the Brigades of Poor, 
Wayne and Scott. North of the intersection of two small 
roads was General Woodford, and a short distance from 
him was stationed Knox's Artillery. From Knox par- 
allel with Valley Creek extended a line of entrenchments 
from which abatis stretched to the east to a point near 
the ford now known as Sullivan's Crossing. The cross- 
ing was defended by a large star-shaped redoubt, and 
below this redoubt was placed the command ot General 
Varnum. Between the abatis and a line of redoubts on 
the north were Huntington, Maxwell, and Conway. 
The Brigade of Mcintosh ' and Washington's Life 
Guards were stationed in the northwest portion of the 

^Page io8. 



camp, below Valley Creek, on an eminence near the 
river. West of the creek near the Schuylkill were the 
Artificers. Excluding the last-named detachment, which 
was in the present Schuylkill township, the camp was 
bounded on the east and north by the Schuylkill river, 
on the south and west by a range of hills, and on the west 
by Valley Creek." 

The winter of 1777-8 was one of unusual severity, 
and by the 19th of December, which marked the arrival 
of the troops at Valley Forge, the severe weather had 
already set in.^ 

With only tents in the meantime to shelter them from 
wintry wind and snow, and with but scant supply of 
blankets and clothing^, the men nevertheless orave them- 
selves heroically to the work of establishing their quarters. 

The first undertaking was not, as one might imagine, 
the fortification of the camp against approach from the 
enemy, but the more humane one — the erection of log 
cabins or huts to take the place as speedily as possible 
of the cheerless tents for the men; the throwing up of 
entrenchments and the construction of earth forts and 
redoubts for the defence of the encampment came later. ^ 

Prizes were offered'to the soldiers by the Commander- 
in-Chief for rapid construction, and best method of 
roofing, and everything was done to stimulate activity 
in the work.^ 

The huts, 14 x 16 feet in dimensions, were made to 
accommodate 12 private soldiers, and were arranged 
in rows, or streets. The oflSicers were housed in similar 
quarters, but with less crowding, according to their 
rank, the generals each having a hut to himself. Each 

^Page 106. ^Page 64. ^Page 107. 
21 



hut had a fireplace with log and clay chimney at the end 
opposite the entrance, and the bunks were arranged on 
the sides in tiers. Two small windows, with oiled paper 
for glass, admitted the light. The chinks between the 
logs were filled with clay, or mortar. 

Straw, supported by stakes or poles, was the material 
principally used for roofing, but it was hard to obtain, 
and for a time the use of the tents for roof-covering was 




PARK GUARD HOUSE 

resorted to. Straw also was needed as bedding- for the 
bunks, and in order to secure an adequate supply Wash- 
ington was obliged to issue an order to the farmers of the 
surrounding territory, requiring them to complete the 
work of threshing their grain before a specified time, 
otherwise the grain would be forcibly taken for the Army's 
use and settled for only as straw. 

The erection of seven or eight hundred such huts, 
with many larger buildings for Commissary, Artificer, 



and hospital purposes, together with suitable stabling 
for the horses, was the task to which the half-clad, half- 
provisioned men were obliged to apply themselves — a 
task which lingered on their hands through half the 
dreary winter.^ 

A smoke nuisance, resulting from the burning of 
wood in the many fires of the camp, was the cause of 
serious annoyance much of the time, affecting unfavor- 
ably not only the eyes and throats of the soldiers, but 
their patience and temper as well. The prevalence, 
moreover, of bad sanitary conditions, unavoidable except 
by the most rigid enforcement of camp regulations, was 
a menace still more serious. 

Sickness and disease, including fever and small-pox, 
soon invaded the camp, and death, with the solemn 
military burial ceremony, became an every-day occur- 
rence. Fully 3000, it is estimated, died during the six 
months of the encampment. 

At the beginning of this period fourteen brigades of 
troops, representing a maximum of 17,000 men, were 
encamped within the lines. The precise number was 
11,089, of which at that time 2898, according to Wash- 
ington's report to Congress, December 23d, "were unfit 
For duty, because they were barefoot and otherwise 
naked." As weeks wore on the number of men fit for 
service was still further reduced by exposure, lack of 
provisions, desertion, sickness and death to the pitiable 
figure of 5012.^ 

THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 

To form some conception of the burden which rested 
Upon the mind and heart of the Commander-in-Chief 

1 Page 72. 2 Pages 83-89. 



during the progress of these months of toil, hardship, 
and suffering, requires but Httle briUiancy of imagination. 
Always profoundly sympathetic in his attitude to- 
ward his men, his sympathy during these dark days was 
rendered the keener, and its reciprocal effect the weightier, 
from a sense of his inability to furnish needed relief. 




GEORGE WASHINGTON 



When we have added to this the strain of his multi- 
tudinous and diversified official labors, what he endured 
from the criminal apathy and inaction of Congress, the 
blundering stupidity of the Commissary Department, 
the malignity of private and public criticism, the out- 
cropping of bitter envy and jealousy in some of his sub- 
ordinate officers, the secret hatching of high-handed 
conspiracy to deprive him of the Army's command, and 

24 



other causes of aggravation quite as noteworthy, there 
is given us some conception of the by no means envi- 
able task v^hich during these six months constituted the 
lot of Gen. Washington. 

It is here also, as v^e witness his patient, placid and 
resolute spirit in the midst of it all, that we catch a glimpse 
of the colossal stature of the man, soldier and statesman, 
in whom were centered the hopes and fortune of the 
United States in the struggle for independence.^ 

LIGHTS AND SHADOWS 

But the picture, though a dark one, had its lights as 
well'as shadows. 

The men had their seasons of out-door sport and 
recreation, and not infrequently some private hut was 
the scene of uproarious merriment and boisterous hilarity. 
Innocent games were encouraged for amusement, and 
while cards and dice were forbidden, as leading to gamb- 
ling, other means were found or invented with which to 
while away in pleasure the hours in which the men were 
not on duty, or taking their needed rest. The officers 
also had their fetes and entertainments, the few ladies 
of the camp, conspicuously the wives of Generals Knox 
and Greene, contributing their share to the brilliancy and 
success of such occasions. Washington and his wife were 
sometimes present at these as guests of honor. By visiting 
the huts, also, and ministering in various ways to the needs 
of the sick and unfortunate men, these good ladies, with 
Martha Washington in the lead, while in camp, did 
much to relieve the gloom and hardship of the dreary 
winter. 

^Page 117. 



The camp also now and then had its gala days, or 
days of great general rejoicing. Such was the 5th of 
May, when the news reached camp that France had 
acknowledged the independence of the young republic, 
and had formed with her a treaty of commerce and 
friendly alliance. As the news spread through the en- 
campment loud and prolonged shouts and cheers shook 
the forests that shrouded the hills; and the day following, 
a day set apart for special thanksgiving to Almighty God 
in honor of the event, salutes were fired, and by direction 
of the Commander-in-Chief the whole army shouted: 
"Huzzah for the King of France!" 

The coming of spring with its genial weather had the 
effect also of infusing new heart and hope into both men 
and officers, and in spite of the sickness and death that 
prevailed in the weeks that followed life in camp took on 
a more cheery aspect. Men who for lack of blankets 
and clothing had been obliged at times to sit up all night 
by the fire, to keep from freezing, might now be seen 
knocking the clay or mortar from the chinks between 
the logs of their huts to let in the warm air; while picket 
service and the usual round of out-door duty, no longer 
a dreaded task, became a welcome exercise. <- 

EVACUATION 

From the middle of May the troops were held subject 
to marching orders contingent upon the movements of 
the enemy. Finally on the i8th of June report reached 
headquarters that Gen. Clinton and his troops (Howe 
having been recalled) were evacuating Philadelphia, 
and on that and the following day Washington, 
who had been anticipating such a move, broke camp 

26 



and with his entire army started in pursuit.^ Crossing 
the Schuylkill at Fatland ford and Sullivan's bridge, 
they pushed hastily toward the city, arriving there as 
the last of the British were making their way across the 
Delaware towards Gloucester. Thus came to an end 
the notable winter's encampment at Valley Forge. 

In less than ten days also came the vigorous blow 
given by Washington to Clinton's army on the plains of 
Monmouth, N. J., making the 28th of June, 1778, a day 
memorable in the annals of freedom, inspiring the colonies 
with renewed confidence and hope, and incidentally de- 
monstrating that the crucial experiences of the army dur- 
ing the six months' encampment with its opportunity for 
military training had not been without disciplinary effect. 

iPage 81. 



PARK AND VILLAGE 



THE land upon which the main part of the 
Encampment was located is now State prop- 
erty, having been acquired piece at a time, 
the first in 1893, and under the direction and super- 
vision of a special Commission appointed June 8, 
1893, has been formed into a public reservation, en- 
titled: "The Valley Forge Park." This is situated 
chiefly on the highlands on the eastern, or Montgomery 
side of Valley Creek, It comprises about 500 acres, 
taking in the old forts, entrenchments, etc., and con- 
tains about 15 or 20 miles of fine roadway and 
boulevard, which through winding and diversified route 
directs the course of the visitor to the various points 
and objects of interest, treating him the while to a mag- 
nificent panorama of landscape view and vista which it 
were impossible adequately to describe. The polite 
park guard, also, in grey uniform, may be found at every 
turn in the way to give direction or information to pedes- 
trian or other visitor. 



ENTRANCE TO PARK 

Entrance may be made to the Park either by way of 
the boulevard leading directly up the hill eastward from 
the railway station, where a memorial arch may soon be 
erected (;^ioo,ooo having been recommended for this and 
another to Congress, February, 19 10), or by going west- 
ward a square, which brings the visitor to Washington's 

28 



headquarters and Valley Green, thence southward a 
square to Washington Inn and the Old Forge in the 
heart of the Village, thence up the hill eastward by way 
of the Gulph Road, the route of the trolley. 

Coaches during the summer season are always in 
waiting at the station on the arrival of trains; but should 
the visitor prefer, a coach for the present may be dis- 
pensed with, until a great deal has been taken in which 
can be easily and more satisfactorily seen on foot. A 
carriage if desired may then be procured for the trip 
through the Park, obtainable at the station or the 
Washington Inn. 

The latter course is especially recommended to 
visitors who wish to see the most, and obtain a satisfac- 
tory idea of the place in a limited time. 

WHAT TO SEE IN THE VILLAGE 

Under the head of points and objects of interest in 
the Village the following are specially noted: 

The Valley Green, The Mansion House, 

Washington's Headquarters, The Baptist Church, 

The Washington Inn, Steuben's Headquarters, 

The Old Forge, Colonial Springs, 

Site of the Artificers' Camp, Old Woolen Mill, 

The p. O. S. of A. Hall, Valley Forge Inn,« 

The Post Office, The Washington Spring, 

The Methodist Church, Old Forge Site. 



THE VALLEY GREEN 

Or Recreation Ground, comprising several acres 
extending along, and including, the Valley Creek, from 
the railroad arch near its mouth southward to the stone 
bridge on Gulph road — added to the Park in 1909. 

29 



WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS 

Facing directly on the Valley Green at its northern 
entrance, and near the station — a well-preserved two 
and a half story stone building with kitchen addition — was 
the home in Revolutionary times of Isaac Potts/ who 
invited General Washington to occupy it as his head- 
quarters after he had been quartered for a time in an army 
tent or markee — ^was built not later than 1758 — contains 
the original doors, windows, locks, etc., and some relics. 
Open daily, Sunday included, from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. 
Admission free. A care-taker will be found in waiting to 
direct the visitor and answer his innumerable questions. 

THE WASHINGTON INN 

Facing the green at its southern entrance on the 
Gulph road — was for many years the private residence 
of the Rogers family — converted into a hotel in 1878 — 
includes a small building which stood on the site during 
the Encampment, known as the *' bake-house," where 
large quantities of bread were baked for the soldiers. 
It was at that time probably the residence of Colonel 
Dewees. The old part constitutes the hotel dining room. 
The bake-ovens were in the cellar, and were removed 
only a few years ago. The hotel is noted for its unrivalled 
entertainment. See page 51. 

THE OLD FORGE 

Is situated a stone's throw west of the Washington 
Inn, on the Gulph road, at the western end of the bridge. 
It is a reproduction in accordance with available data; 
is on private property; erected as a matter of public 
interest, and with patriotic ceremony was thrown open 

^Page]io9. 

30 



to the public July 4, 1907. It is built entirely of 
materials taken from an old Revolutionary ruin, and 
contains a facsimile reproduction of the old-time machin- 
ery. Admission is free. The original forge from which 
the place derived its name stood half a mile farther up on 
the same side of the creek. This v^as destroyed in a raid 
by British soldiers nearly three months before the Wash- 
ington Encampment, and was never rebuilt.^ 

SITE OF ARTIFICERS' CAMP ^ 

This was the strip of ground on the western, or 
Chester Co., side of the creek, extending northward from 
the foothills back of the Old Forge to the railroad or 
Schuylkill river. The soldiers' huts were on the eleva- 
tions, the work-shops in the valley. The artificers were 
the soldier artisans or mechanics and with the sappers 
and miners, worked in conjunction with the army engi- 
neers. Here near the Old Forge, on both sides of the 
Gulph road, stood their work-shops. Here plans and 
materials for the army's emergency work were devel- 
oped, here their wagons, cannon and muskets were 
repaired, and their horses shod. 

On this plot of ground, in the rear of the Old Forge, 
may be observed the ruins of the Brooke Evans Gun 
Factory, established in 1821, from which twenty thou- 
sand muskets were manufactured. Though not a Revo- 
lutionary memento, it is an object of local interest.^ 

THE P. O. S. OF A. HALL 

Situated diagonally across the way westward trom 
the Old Forge, a comparatively modern building, erected 

^Pagego. "Page 78. ^Page94. 

32 



in 1874, containing suitable rooms for the use of the 
Order, and a hall for public gatherings. The latter also 
furnishes house room for the "Mathews Free Library," 
estabhshed in 1895 through the benefactions of the 
E. J. Mathews family, former owners of the Valley 
Forge farm. The library contains about 800 volumes, 
and is open Tuesday evenings.^ The building is also 
the recognized headquarters of the Valley Forge "Fife 
and Drum Corps." 

THE POST OFFICE 
The first building on the left up the road westward — 
for many years the home of the Thropp family. At first 
it contained but two rooms, built not later than 1815 
by John Workizer. Isaiah Thropp, son-in-law of Mr. 
Workizer, obtained the place in 1822 and used it partly 
as a store, the first in the village. Here he continued 
business successfully for fifty years, and reared a large 
and honorable family. In the meantime, the house was 
enlarged by him to its present proportions. Later the 
building on the right of the store was bought by Mr. 
Thropp and used as the family residence. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH 
A small stone building about a square beyond the 
Post Office, erected in 1837 — lot given by Isaiah Thropp. 
Church formed in 1836 — first preacher probably Rev. 
D. Shields, who preached for the M. E. Church at 
Phoenixville in 1839, and the year following. 

THE MANSION HOUSE 
Situated two or three hundred yards beyond the 
M. E. Church, on the opposite, or north, side of the 

^Page 113. 

33 



road — used as a hospital during the Encampment — 
was the home of the Workizer family and a wayside inn 
— was then two and a half stories high, and two-thirds 
its present size — original building included on first floor 
what is now the dining room, kitchen and bar. It con- 
tains some original woodwork, hinges, locks, etc. The 
eastern end was erected in 1850, and the mansard roof 
added in 1875. Under its present owner it continues to 
afford comfortable entertainment for man and beast. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH 

A Stone structure of recent date, erected in 1901 on 
site of former building built in 1835. Contains in outside 
walls some interesting memorial tablets. On one of 
these is given the following extract from Washington's 
letter to the Baptists, written in May, 1789, just after 
his election to the Presidency of the Nation. 

"The Baptists throughout America have been uni- 
formly and almost unanimously the firm friends of civil 
liberty, and the persevering promoters of the glorious 
Revolution." 

The Church was organized at the Valley Forge 
School-house, June 29, 1834, with thirty-one members. 
Rev. S. Seigfreid preaching from Acts xxvi, 28. Its first 
pastor was Rev. J. G. Collam. The ground, one acre, 
for lot and grave-yard was donated by John Workizer. 

The little log house across the way, as near as can be 
learned, was built not earlier than 1840. 

The two roads diverging near this point lead each to 
Phoenixville (French Creek), about four miles distant, 
the left-hand road leading by way of Williams' Corners. 
The trolley line follows the latter route to Williams' 

34 



Corners and thence runs to Phoenixville by way of 
Corner stores. 

Following the right-hand, or Gulph, road the tourist, 
when within a mile or more of Phoenixville, will pass on 
the right "Bull Tavern" and *' Moore Hall"; and in 
Phoenixville, at the intersection of this road (Nutt's Ave.) 
with Bridge St., will come to "Fountain Inn." All three 
are places of historic interest in connection with the 
Encampment. All at present are used as private resi- 
dences, and to some extent have been transformed. 

STEUBEN'S HEADQUARTERS 

Reached by taking the road just east of the Metho- 
dist Church, and following it up into the glen about a 
quarter of a mile — forms a part of the home of General 
B. F. Fisher, a large Gothic brick building that sits con- 
spicuously on the slope of the mountain. The original 
house known for many years as the Slab Tavern was a 
small two-story stone structure about fifteen feet square, 
and now constitutes a rear portion of the present building. 

At first Von Steuben's quarters were in a camp hut 
on the Montgomery Co. side, in connection with which 
an interesting incident is told of the General's butler. 
The morning after the arrival in camp of the distinguished 
soldier and his attendants, the chef, having asked to be 
shown the kitchen in order that he might prepare break- 
fast, was directed to an open space in the rear of the hut 
where a fire-place had been erected with a few stones, 
over which hung one or two smoky iron pots. When 
told this was the kitchen, the haughty butler, without 
regard to ceremony, straightway surrendered his job, 
and gathering together his belongings decamped at once 
for more civilized regions. Steuben says he left him with 

35 



the remark that :** where he had nothing on which to 
display his art it was of no consequence who pulled the 
string" — meaning the cord of the spit. The incident 
may have had its weight in leading the General to look 
up more desirable quarters, and finally to decide upon 
the little house in the glen on the Chester Co. side?. 

THE COLONIAL SPRINGS 

Situated directly across the run from Steuben's 
headquarters — famous springs from which in the moun- 




COLONIAL SPRINGS 



tain's side have bubbled forth a copious stream of pure 
and sparkling water since long before the recollection of 
the oldest inhabitant — formerly styled the "Goodfyr 
Springs," from the idea of the neighboring inhabitants 
that its waters were good for the correction of a number of 
human ailments, particularly kidney affections. The 
chemical analysis shows it to be an absolutely pure water; 
and in 1900 a company was formed whojieased the 

36 



property, and have since been bottling and shipping the 
water in large quantities for private delivery in Philadel- 
phia. Visitors are alw^ays w^elcome, and will be amply 
repaid by a visit to the place. 

THE OLD WOOLEN MILL 

Situated below the dam on the east, or Montgomery 
Co., side of the creek. The building was commenced 
in 1814 by John Rogers and Joshua Malin, cousins, and 
was used for a time as an establishment for the manu- 
facture of hardware, including saws, files, shovels, spades, 
etc. Afterwards, about 1820, it was enlarged by Mr. 
Rogers and converted into a cotton mill. Later it was 
again enlarged, this time by Charles H. Rogers, son of 
John Rogers, and changed into a woolen mill. During 
the Civil War cloth and blankets were manufactured in 
it for the Union Army. Prior to 1882 Isaac Smith was 
for many years the successful operator. From the latter 
date till 1909 the mill remained idle. It is now occu- 
pied for the manufacture of woolen yarn. The present 
dam was built in 1906, the one prior to that having 
been down and washed away for a number of years. 

VALLEY FORGE INN 

Across the road from the rnill — built about 1850 — 
first occupied as a wholesale and retail liquor place — 
afterwards, till the closing of the mill, in 1882, as a general 
store, kept for many years by John Rowan. In 1909 it 
was remodeled and converted to its present use. Con- 
nected with this place, on the adjoining hill-top, is a 
private picnic ground, and boats for pleasure are kept 
on the lake. 

37 



THE WASHINGTON SPRING 

About half a mile up the creek from the mill — a 
resort especially for the sentimentalist, made doubly 
attractive since 1908 by the artistic work of the Park 
Commission. From the guard house near the spring 
a convenient path leads up the hillside through the 




THE WASHINGTON SPRING 



clearing to the boulevard on the summit, bringing the 
tourist in close proximity to Fort Washington and the 
Mount Joy Observatory. 

OLD FORGE SITE 

A hundred or more yards beyond the spring, but on 
the opposite side of the creek. ^ The walk or drive around 
the lake is one of the most inviting and picturesque to be 
found in the neighborhood. 

^ Pages 90-94. 

38 



WHAT TO SEE IN THE PARK 

With markers everywhere conspicuously placed 
throughout the grounds to direct the visitor to the various 
points and objects of interest, and with the polite Park 
guard in evidence at every turn in the way ready to 
impart information for the asking, but little more would 
seem to be necessary here than that a list be furnished 
of the more important objects to be visited, with their 
general location indicated, and such information or 
comment added as the case may require. 

The Most Important Things to See Are: 

The Entrenchments, Camp School House, 

Fort Washington Soldier Huts (Reproduced), 

Fort Huntington Varnum's and Knox's HEAoquARTERS, 

Star Redoubt, Hospital Hut, 

Waterman Monument, Bake Ovens, 

Wayne Monument, Soldiers' Graves. 

A visit should also be made to the Washington Me- 
morial Chapel, and last, but not least, time and strength 
should be reserved for climbing the steps of the Mount 
Joy Observatory. 

If entrance is made to the Park by way of the boule- 
vard leading up from the station, in ascending the hill, 
a magnificent view is obtained of the river with the region 
beyond, while the camp site of Washington's Life Guard 
will be passed on the hill-side at the right. ^ 

THE ENTRENCHMENTS 

Are reached on the crest of the hill, and may be readily 
traced. They consist of a ditch or trench, originally 
about 6 feet wide, 3 feet deep, with mound about 4 feet 

^Page 76. 

39 



in height. Two Hnes of these, an inner and outer, par- 
tially encircled the Encampment. The trench was con- 
structed, in places at least, with stakes or pikes projecting 
outward from the mound, and with an abatis of brush, 
stumps, etc., extending the distance of extreme musket 
range in front. The inner line will appear again and 
again in following the boulevard. Persons wishing to 
visit the Waterman monument and the Memorial Chapel 
at this stage will take the Port Kennedy road leading to 
the left. In doing so, near Fort Huntington 

THE PARK PICNIC GROUNDS 

Will appear on the right. In the latter, every pro- 
vision has been made by the Park Commission for the 
comfort and enjoyment of parties, large or small, who 
come to the Park for a day's outing and self-entertain- 
ment. Regret will be felt, however, especially by per- 
sons with little children or heavy baskets, that the 
location of the grounds is not more convenient to the 
trolley or railway station. 

FORT HUNTINGTON 

Is one of the principal forts of the camp, and happily 
little has been done to it in the way of attempted restora- 
tion. The traverse is lOO feet in length, while the top 
of the earthwork in some places is 20 feet from the bot- 
tom of the fosse. Nearby on the hill-side was the site of 
Huntington's brigade. 

VARNUM'S HEADQUARTERS 

Also on the right, is but a short distance beyond — a 
stone structure, two and a half stories in height, but now 

40 



considerably changed and enlarged from the original 
building. On both sides of the road were the huts of 
Varnum's brigade. 

THE STAR REDOUBT 

Is reached a few hundred yards farther beyond on 
the left. It was a small earth fort erected chiefly to cover 
the approach from the other side of the Schuylkill by 
way of Fatland ford and Sullivan's bridge, a short dis- 
tance directly opposite. The crossing by way of the 
ford was to the upper end of Jenkins' island, down the 
island to the lower end, and thence to the other side. 
At the lower end was Sullivan's bridge. The ford and 
bridge were reached by a road, now a lane, leading to 
the left, the continuation of Washington Lane, but not 
open to the public. 

WATERMAN MONUMENT 

Is situated a short distance beyond the redoubt on 
the right. It is a plain granite shaft, 50 feet in height, 
erected by the Daughters of the Revolution to the mem- 
ory of the soldiers who died at Valley Forge, near the 
site of a stone which marks the grave of John Water- 
man, the only known grave on the Encampment. On 
the plinth in front is the following inscription: "To 
the Soldiers Of Washington's Army Who Sleep At Valley 
Forge, 1777-78. Erected By The Daughters Of The 
Revolution." On the reverse side the following: "Near 
This Spot Lies Lieutenant John Waterman. Died April 
23, 1778, Whose Grave Alone Of All His Comrades Was 
Marked." The monument was unveiled and dedicated 
October 19, 1901, the ground upon which it stands having 
been donated by the late I. Heston Todd. 



THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL CHAPEL 

Stands a few rods distant on the opposite side of the 
road from the monument in the edge of the grove. It is 
a building of elaborate architectural design, being erected 
by the Protestant Episcopal denomination: "In memory 




WATERMAN MONUMENT 

of Washington and Patriot Churchmen who served their 
country in the struggle for liberty." 

The style of architecture of the main building is per- 
pendicular Gothic. The architects were Field and 

43 



Medary, of Philadelphia. The first service in the Chapel 
was held on Washington's birthday, 1905. When com- 
pleted it will be a memorial worthy of the great denom- 
ination in which Washington, as is claimed, was a regular 
communicant. 

The plan of the Chapel includes a group of buildings, 
among which is a Patriot's Hall, marked by a number of 
unique features. A start also has been made in the way 
of collectino- historical documents and relics as the foun- 

o 

dation of a library and museum. Service is held in the 
building every Sunday. During the summer season it is 
open every day of the week, and visitors are cordially 
welcomed. 

Rev. W. Herbert Burk, of Norristown, is the minister 
in charge, and to his efforts largely the credit is due for 
the work that has been accomplished. 

To the left of the Chapel in the woods the fac-simile 
of a Camp Hut will be noted with interest. It was the 
first of the hut reproductions erected, and was built by 
the Daughter's of the Revolution in May, 1905; dedicated 
June 24th. The site was presented by I. Heston Todd, 
and is presumed to be the location of one of the huts of 
Varnum's brigade. Many of the guardhouses throughout 
the Park are modeled after the same plan. 

The visitor who has come thus far over the route we 
have taken, will now, in order to see the remaining and 
principal portion of the Encampment, be obliged to 
retrace his steps to the boulevard we left prior to reaching 
Fort Huntington, and to follow the boulevard up around 
the hill to the left. 

From the crest of the hill another view of Fort Hunt- 
ington, with the Waterman Monument in the distance, 

44 



may be had, and from thence five minutes' walk will 
bring us to the Gulph road at its intersection with the 
boulevard. 

This point is the one at which entrance to the Park 
is made from the village by the other route — the route 
adopted by the trolley — which passes up the Gulph road 
from the bridge, near the Old Forge and Washington 
Inn.^ 

CAMP SCHOOL HOUSE 

May be viewed or visited from this point, going east- 
ward. It is situated a few hundred yards down the Gulph 
road on the right, at the intersection of this road with 
Washington lane. It was built in 1705 — was used as a 
hospital during the encampment, and was repaired and 
put in its present condition by the Park Commission in 
1907. The interior has been refitted, and furnished with 
a fac-simile reproduction of the old-time furniture. 

FORT WASHINGTON 

Is reached by following the boulevard to the right at 
the distance of cbout a quarter of a mile. This earth- 
work has been restored in part by the Commission in 
order that the visitor may obtain a correct idea of its 
original appearance. It is not of large size, its longest 
side being less than one hundred feet. The traverse, or 
bank, which divides it into two parts, is about seventy- 
five feet in length. This was one of the most important 
defences of the Encampment as may be seen from its 
location. The observation platforms, both here and at 
Fort Huntington, are, of course, the work of the Commis- 

iPage 28. 

46 



sion, having been added to give the visitor a satisfactory 
view of the outhne of the earth-works. 

MT. JOY OBSERVATORY 

In close proximity to Fort Washington, may be con- 
veniently visited from this point. It is a graceful iron 
structure 75 feet in height, erected in 1906 on the summit 




CAMP SCHOOL HOUSE 



'*'^ Mount Joy. From the top of the observatory, which 
>.s 'reached by 120 easy steps, a magnificent and extensive 
view of the Park and of the surrounding country may be 
had, which will more than pay for the trouble and exer- 
tion of climbing. 

To assist the visitor in correctly establishing his 
bearings, a horizontal disk has been provided at the top, 

47 



giving a chart of the direction (with distance) of various 
surrounding locahties of historic interest. 



WAYNE MONUMENT 



Situated another quarter of a mile away, may be 
reached either by continuing to follow the right line 




MT. JOY OBSERVATORY 

boulevard, or, if the visitor be afoot, by taking the shorter 
route down the hill past Fort Washington, and across the 
field eastward. The monument is in the form of an 
equestrian statue, of great merit, erected by the Com- 

48 



monwealth of Pennsylvania and dedicated June 20, 1908, 
to one of her most distinguished sons who fought in the 
Revolution. Anthony Wayne was born in Chester 
County, Jan. i, 1745, and died Dec. 15, 1796. He was 
Brigadier General in the Continental Army from Feb. 
I, 1777, to Nov. 3, 1783; was appointed Major General 
in 1783, and Commander-in-Chief of the United States 




ANTHONY WAYNE MONUMENT 



Army, May 5, 1792, remaining in command till the time 
of his death. These facts, with others, are recorded on 
the monument. Its cost, including dedicatory and other 
expenses, was $35,000 — The sculptor was Mr. Henry 
K. Bush-Brown. At the services of dedication Hon. 
S. W. Pennypacker delivered the oration; and the Com- 

50 



mission appointed by the Legislature to have charge of 
the work consisted of J. P. Nicholson, R. M. Cadwalader 
and J. A. Herman. 

The Hospital Hut (a reproduction), the Bake-ovens, 
the Burying Ground, and other objects and places of 
interest, will be found in the immediate vicinity of the 
monument, to all of which the visitor's attention and 
steps will be readily directed by the markers. 

Should there be a desire to look upon the General 
Knox Headquarters, and get a view of the Valley Forge 
farm, the charming summer home of Secretary of State, 
Philander C. Knox, the pleasure may conveniently be 
enjoyed at this time, as they are but a short distance 
away. The house known as the Lafayette Headquarters 
is a little more distant in the same direction; but it should 
be remembered that all of these are private property and 
are not open to visitation by the public. 

Should the visitor, after viewing the monument, 
desire to go farther in the direction of Port Kennedy, a 
number of objects, though of less importance, including 
state markers, etc., will be found to gratify interest. 

The conspicuous object in the distance having two 
white pillars is the Pennsylvania marker erected on the 
site of the Pennsylvania troops. 



SECTION TWO 



A PREFATORY SUGGESTION 



AS an essential aid to a correct appreciation of 
incidents and events in the Revolutionary 
L period it is important that the reader should 
to a certain extent endeavor to place himself in the 
environment of those early days. A few facts, there- 
fore, are here noted which may be helpful to the person 
in obtaining an advantageous view point. 

In the year 1776 the conceded domain of the United 
States was not more than half a million square miles. 
To-day it is nearly four million. Its population then was 
about two and a half millions — in other words, about a 
million more than the number of people now contained 
within the limits of Philadelphia, at present the third 
city in size in the Union. At that time Philadelphia's 
population was about 25,000. 

In Revolutionary times there were but few public 
highways, and these generally were in poor condition. 
Travel and transportation between distant points were 
accomplished entirely by means of stage and pack-wagon, 
drawn in most cases by mules and asses. 

There were then not only no telegraphs or telephones, 
but no railroads, no steamboats, no canals. These, with 
all the later wonders in the development of applied 
science, have come since that day. The first canals in 
the United States, two very short ones, were constructed 
in 1792. Navigation by steam, with Robert Fulton as 

55 



pioneer, began in 1807. His experimental boat, the 
Clermont, 100 ft. long, 12 ft. in width and 7 in depth, 
was announced to make the trip from New York to 
Albany "against wind and tide" in 36 hours (about 
4 miles an hour). The fare for the trip, including 
"provisions, berth and accommodations," was $'j.oo. 

The first railroad in the United States, three miles 
in length, was completed in 1827, horse power being 
used. The first locomotive came two years later. The 
Phila. & Reading was built through Valley Forge in 
1837, and was opened for traffic July 16, 1838. 

In 1776 there were only 50 post-offices in the country. 
Mails were very light, and were carried by postmen on 
horseback, and sometimes on foot. That year authority 
was given to employ extra post riders between the 
armies from their headquarters to Philadelphia. Ben- 
jamin Franklin was then Postmaster General, and the 
accounts for the whole Post-Office Department for over 
a year were contained in a small book composed of two 
quires of foolscap, now kept as an interesting relic in the 
archives at Washington. 

The newspapers in existence at the beginning of the 
war were few and small, and were issued weekly, semi- 
weekly or tri-weekly. The first daily paper issued in 
the country was the "American Daily Advertizer" — 
what is now the "North American" — established in 
Philadelphia in 1784, the year after the war closed. The 
printing presses used were of the Franklin type, in which 
the pressure force was applied by a screw, and the ink 
by large balls. An expert workman on the machine 
could produce about 50 impressions an hour. Books, 
in consequence, were a rarity, while magazine literature 

56 



was undreamed of. Various political subjects were at 
times discussed in pamphlets. 

At the time of the Revolution teaching in the com- 
mon schools was very meager, and remained so for thirty 
years after. Only reading, spelling, and arithmetic were 
regularly taught. 

Wood was the material almost universally used for 
fuel, and the tallow dip or sperm oil lamp was the only 
means of illumination. 

Until near the close of the war there were no banking 
institutions in the United States. By that time the paper 
money authorized by Congress had so depreciated that 
the price of commodities and labor became almost 
fabulous. A barrel of flour was sold for 20 pounds 
Sterling, and a bushel of potatoes for 15 pounds. A 
journeyman blacksmith was paid 8 pounds per day, and 
the price for shoeing a horse all round was 4 pounds 
($5.00 a shoe). The first bank in the United States, 
the ''Bank of North America" was under such conditions 
established in 178 1 as a financial aid to the Government. 

In the sphere of agriculture a no less primitive condi- 
tion of things prevailed. Indian corn, tobacco, wheat, 
rye, oats, potatoes and hay were the staple articles of the 
farm. The seed was sown and the whole crop harvested 
by manual labor. The plow, harrow, and other imple- 
ments used, were of the rudest kind. The hay was cut 
with a scythe and turned and gathered with a hand rake 
and wooden fork. The grain was cut with a sickle, 
threshed with a flail, or the treading of horses, and win- 
nowed by means of a large clam-shaped fan of wicker- 
work manipulated in a gentle breeze. The cultivation 
of cotton was in its infancy. In 1784 eight bales of cotton 

57 



sent to England from Charleston were seized by the 
Custom House authorities in Liverpool, on the ground 
that so large a quantity could not have come from the 
United States. Whitney's invention of the cotton gin, 
for separating the seed from the fiber, w^hich gave un- 
paralleled impetus to the industry, occurred in 1792. 

Our manufactures, also, were of slight importance. 
The policy of England was to suppress manufacturing 
in her American Colonies, so as to increase her impor- 
tations. 

The iron industry was confined to a dozen or two 
furnaces and forges. Till after the war woolen and cotton 
fabrics were manufactured largely in the home. The 
hand carding device, the Irish or Dutch spinning-wheel, 
and the hand loom, formed a part of the equipment of 
every well-regulated household. In 1787 the first cotton- 
mill in the country was built at Beverly, Mass., and a 
little prior to 1791 a woolen mill was established at 
Hartford, Conn. 

At the beginning of the war Willcox's small establish- 
ment near Philadelphia was the only paper-mill in the 
country. He made our first writing paper, also the thick, 
coarse paper on which the Continental money was 
printed. By the close of the war, a demand for paper 
having arisen in the meantime, two other mills had come 
into existence. 

Multitudes more of such items of interest might be 
added, calculated to remind us that in contemplating 
the incidents and events of the Encampment period one 
must guard in many instances against considering or 
measuring these from the view point of our Twentieth 
Century civilization. 

58 



MOVEMENTS OF WASHINGTON'S ARMY 
JUST PRIOR TO THE ENCAMPMENT 

Washington took possession of Valley Forge for his 
winter quarters December 19th, 1777. 

A bird's-eye view of the movements of the army 
during the three months or more prior to this date will 
be of interest as forming a fitting prelude to the story of 
the sixth months' encampment. 

The battle of Brandywine, at Chadd's ford, resulting 
from Washington's attempt to stay the advance of the 
British upon Philadelphia from by way of the Chesa- 
peake, took place September nth, 1777. Washington 
in his retreat from Brandywine fell back on Philadelphia, 
encamping at the Falls of Schuylkill; but, closely fol- 
lowed by Howe's army, September .15th he moved up 
the Schuylkill Valley as far as Matson's ford (Consho- 
hocken), crossing here to the west side of the river, and, 
lest Howe should intercept him, pushed rapidly along 
the old Lancaster road in the direction of Swedes' ford 
(Bridgeport), encamping for the night between Warren 
tavern and White Horse tavern. Thence, after a con- 
siderable skirmish with the enemy, he made further 
retreat to Yellow Springs and Warrick furnace, leaving 
General Wayne at Paoli, where the latter and his men 
met with the fatal surprise of September 20th known as 
the " Paoli Massacre.'* From Warrick furnace Washing- 
ton recrossed the Schuylkill at Parker's ford, and mov- 
ing southward through Trappe came to a stop at the 
Perkiomen. Thence, incited by a suspicion that the plan 
of the British included a forced march upon Reading, 
a depot of Continental supplies, in order to protect the 
latter he retraced his steps and hastened up the valley 

59 



to Pottsgrove (Pottstown), encamping there for several 
days. The British, however, extended their march north- 
ward only as far as French Creek (Phoenixville), encamp- 
ing along the Gulph road all the way from Valley Forge. 
At the latter place they committed a number of depreda- 
tions, notably the destruction of the old forge and pos- 
sibly a building or two farther down the creek. They 
then crossed the Schuylkill September 23rd at Fatland 
ford and Gordon's ford (Phoenixville), encamped for 
the night on Stony creek (Norristown), and thence pro- 
ceeded to Germantown. Two days later, September 26th, 
Lord Cornwallis took possession of Philadelphia. 

In the meantime Washington, learning what had 
happened, returned to the Perkiomen, encamped for 
a few days to rest his army at Pennypacker's Mills 
(Schwenksville), and thence proceeded to Skippack and 
Worcester. From the latter point, early on the morn- 
ing of October 3rd, the army moved to attack the British 
forces at Germantown, the Battle of Germantown 
occurring the following day. 

This encounter ending in failure Washington re- 
treated to the camp on the Perkiomen, but after a few 
days' rest was again on the march toward Philadelphia, 
halting for a week at a time at convenient places, and 
finally November 2nd going into camp at Whitemarsh, 
where the army remained for more than a month. 

During this respite, December 4th a night attack was 
planned on the encampment by Howe, but timely news 
of the matter having been given to Washington, he was 
on the alert and the attack was successfully resisted, 
though the threatening manoeuvres of the enemy were 
continued till the morning of the 8th. 

60 



December 12th the army broke camp at Whitemarsh 
and began the march toward Valley Forge, which had 
been selected as a suitable site for winter quarters. 
The plan was to cross the Schuylkill at Matson's ford 
(Conshohocken), but on reaching this, and discovering 
a force under Cornwallis in possession of the Gulph 
road on the other side, the army moved up to Swedes' 
ford (Norristown), crossed there during the night of the 
I2th and morning of the 13th, and took up a position at 
Gulph Mills. Here they remained for several days, when 
the final march of about 6 miles was made to Valley 
Forge. During all these movements Washington's men 
suffered severely from a lack of blankets and proper cloth- 
ing, a thousand or more of them having made the jour- 
ney from Whitemarsh in frost and snow with bare feet. 



LIFE IN THE ENCAMPMENT 

Two days before the arrival of the Army at Valley 
Forge, while encamped at Gulph Mills, Washington 
addressed a message to the troops in which he thanked 
the officers and men for the patience and fortitude they 
had shown in the fatigues of the year's campaign, and 
urged upon them as they were about to go into their 
winter quarters to be no less patient and courageous, 
but to meet and surmount the difficulties before them in 
a manner becoming the soldier's profession, and worthy 
of the sacred cause in which they were engaged. The 
conditions in prospect, he added, were not what he could 
have wished for his faithful men, but they could be 
assured that he himself would share in the hardships 
and partake of every inconvenience. 

61 



The day following, December i8th, had been ap- 
pointed by Congress as a day of Public Thanksgiving 
and Prayer, and was observed in camp by the holding 
of divine services by the Chaplains with their several 
corps and brigades. 

The 19th of December marked the arrival of the 
troops on the site chosen for their winter encampment. 
The first important order issued was: that next day the 
Major General in command (Lord Stirling), accom- 
panied by the engineers, were to view the ground atten- 
tively and fix upon the proper spot for hutting, so as to 
render the camp as strong and inaccessible as possible. 
The engineers then were to mark out the ground indicat- 
ing the location for the huts of each Brigade, and after- 
wards to direct the Field ofl&cers appointed to superintend 
the work of building. The corps of engineers was under 
the command of the French officer, Brigadier-General 
Louis Lebeque Duportail. 

At morning parade the next day the Commander- 
in-Chief had a bit of gratifying news to communicate; 
it was this: ''The safe arrival at Portsmouth of a French 
ship, with 40 brass cannon, 4 pounders, carriage com- 
plete, 19 nine-inch mortars, 500 nine-inch bombs, 2000 
lbs. of balls, intrenching tools, 4,120 stands of arms, a 
quantity of powder, and 61,061 lbs. of sulphur." 

The satisfaction with which this bit of news was 
communicated by the General, and the enthusiasm with 
which it was received by the troops, can readily be 
imagined when we remember that the Army for its war 
materials was at this time almost wholly dependent 
upon purchases made in France, and that getting them 
into the country was attended by the extreme risk of 
capture in running the British blockade. 

62 



The arms furnished by the French government to 
the United States during the war were principally of the 
old model of 1763, commonly known by the name 
*'Charleville musket." It was a flint-lock musket, 
caliber 72; the barrel was fastened with three iron bands 
to stock; mountings of iron. 

REVEILLE 

The hour appointed for this changed naturally with 
the seasons. The following was the general order : 

The Reveille to beat at day-break, the Troop at 
eight in the morning, the Retreat at sunset, and Tattoo 
at nine in the evening. 

To render this duty uniform, the drummers call to 
beat at the right of the first line and answered through- 
out the line, then through the second and corps of artil- 
lery beginning at the left. The Reserve shall follow the 
second line; immediately upon this three rolls to begin 
and run through in like manner as the call. Then all 
the drums of the army at the heads of their respective 
corps shall go through their regular beats, ceasing upon 
the right, which will be a sign for the w^hole to cease. 

On December 25th, in order to replenish the Com- 
missary cupboard, what might be termed a Christmas 
Party was gotten up — a Christmas Foraging Party. 
The order convening it provided that it be composed of 
"an active careful subaltern and twelve men from each 
brigade, who, with an assistant commissary, were to go 
to such places as the Commissary-General, or his Assist- 
ant in camp, should direct, for the purpose of collecting 
flour, grain, cattle or pork for the army." The men 
chosen to make up the party were to be "such as were 

63 



of able body, and knew how to thrash." They were 
"to take with them their arms, blankets and neces- 
saries and under the command of Major Miller were to 
parade in the morning at 9 o'clock at the Black Bull." 

Almost concurrent with the laying out of the ground 
for "hutting" was the inauguration of plans for the con- 
struction of a bridge across the Schuylkill, for the pur- 
pose of connecting the camp with the territory on the 
east side of the river. The location decided upon was 
near Fatland ford, at the lower end of Jenkins' island, 
and the work of directing the enterprise was entrusted 
to Major-General Sullivan who, "obligingly" accepting 
was on this account excused in the meantime from general 
field service. It was a log bridge with swing-float section 
over the channel, and was probably not completed till 
about the first of March. As indicative of this, on the 
second of March a guard house was ordered built at its 
western end, and General Sullivan's first return to field 
duty as officer of the day was on the eighth of that month. 

Special care was enjoined upon the guard at the 
bridge to see that no suspicious looking persons, or 
people without passes, were allowed to cross from either 
side. No boats also were allowed to pass without per- 
mission from the officer commanding the guard. 

The bridge was termed the "New bridge," the 
"North bridge," and, finally, "Sullivan's bridge." It 
was used by the army on the eventful nineteenth of June 
as Washington, hastily breaking up the Valley Forge 
encampment, crossed the Schuylkill and proceeded 
toward Philadelphia, upon its evacuation by General 
Clinton. 

From what we are able to gather concerning its later 
64 



history, it would appear that it did not long survive the 
period of the encampment, but v^as soon broken up and 
swept away by recurring freshets. A marker on the 
south side of the river, indicates the place where it for- 
merly stood. 

On New Year's day an announcement from Wilming- 
ton was made in camp to the effect that a British ship 
from New York had been captured in the Delaware, in 
which were a number of officers' wives and about 70 or 
80 men. A few days later came the statement: "The 
Brigg taken from the enemy (and mentioned New Year's 
Day) is the greatest prize ever taken from them. There 
is Scarlet, Blue and Buff cloth sufficient to clothe all the 
officers of the Army; and Hats, Shirts, Stockings, Shoes, 
Boots, Spurs, &c., to finish complete suits for all. A 
petition is sent to his Excellency that this clothing may 
be dealt out to the Regimental officers only— at a moder- 
ate price — excluding Commissaries, Bull Drivers, &c. 
There are 4 or 5,000 Apelets of gold and silver — many 
chests of private officers' Baggage — and General Howe's 
Silver Plate — and Kitchen furniture, &c. This cargo 
was sent to clothe all the officers of the British army." 

THE FORTIFICATIONS 

After the work upon the soldiers' huts had become 
well advanced, or about the middle of January, atten- 
tion was given to the matter of fortification. The works 
for the defense of the camp, including the double line 
of entrenchments, redoubts, forts, etc., were at this time 
marked out by the engineers, and an order from the Com- 
mander-in-Chief urged that the work be executed with 
all possible dispatch. 

65 



Generals Greene, Stirling and Lafayette were re- 
quested to consult with General Duportail upon the 
proper means and number of men necessary for its 
execution, and also to appoint competent officers to 
superintend it. Numerous orders followed, detailing 
officers and men from the various Brigades for the work. 
General Patterson consented to superintend the fortifi- 
cation of the left wing, and under his direction all the 
men and officers not on duty in the respective Brigades 
of this wing were to parade every morning at nine o'clock, 
to be employed on the work till completed. The work 
dragged heavily, and some of it when finished was not 
up to standard, as is evidenced by an order issued as 
late as April 3rd by the Commander-in-Chief which 
reads as follows: "The works of the new line being 
very carelessly executed in many parts, and the repre- 
sentations of the engineers to the officers commanding 
fatigue parties having hitherto been of no avail, the 
General calls upon the several Brigadiers to inspect the 
part which has been allotted to their Brigade and order 
the defects to be remedied, which appears to be princi- 
pally owing to the weakness of the stakes, and those of 
the exterior face being placed too perpendicularly." 
An interesting hint is here given as to the mode of con- 
structing the defenses and another in the following 
announcement: "As the stumps and brush in front of 
the line afford an excellent abatis to the approach of an 
enemy, it is expressly forbid that any of it should be 
burnt by fatiguing parties, or others, for the distance of 
extreme musket range in front of the line, of which all 
officers commanding a regiment are to take particular 
notice." 

66 



A CAMP STORE 

With the view of providing a channel through w^hich 
the country people might obtain sale for their produce, 
thus lessening the temptation to smuggle it through the 
lines to the enemy in Philadelphia, and at the same time 
to provide for the soldiers the opportunity of purchasing 
extra articles needed for their comfort, a camp market 
was decided upon, to be held six days in the week within 
or near the lines. Three different points were selected 
for its location, at each of which in rotation it was to be 
held, one day at a time — on Monday and Thursday at 
the '* Stone Chimney Picket, east side Schuylkill," 
Tuesday and Friday near the North Bridge, and Wednes- 
day and Saturday near the Adjutant-General's office. 
Handbills containing a list of the wares to be offered for 
sale, with prices affixed, were prepared and distributed 
both among the soldiers and the market people, the 
officers having this work in charge being required first 
"to consult with some of the more intelligent country 
people." 

The first market was held February 9th, at the 
"Stone Chimney Picket," the officer in command of the 
picket being charged with the duty of seeing that the 
posted regulations were carried out. A day or two later, 
however, Mr. Joseph Ogden was officially announced 
as permanent Clerk of the market. 

THE DAILY RATION 

The customary daily ration while in camp consisted 
of i-J lbs. of flour or bread, i lb. of beef or fish, or | lb. 
of pork, and i gill of whiskey or spirits — or, i-J lbs. of 

67 



flour or bread, J lb. of pork or bacon, | pint peas or beans, 
and I gill of whiskey or spirits. 

The commissary, however, in issuing rations to the 
troops from time to time, was instructed to issue them 
agreeable to these estimates according to the state of 
stores in camp; and not infrequently, by reason of 
depleted stores, he was obliged to take advantage of 
this clause, greatly to the discomfort of the soldiers. 
The daily gill of whiskey, because of a scarcity of the 
article, was often withheld, but without perhaps any 
serious effect on the morals of the camp. It was 
invariably issued to those assigned to duties requiring 
extra physical effort or endurance. On New Year's 
Day, presumably as a bit of New Year's cheer, it was 
issued to all the soldiers and non-commissioned officers 
in camp by special order of the Commander-in-Chief. 

THE SUTLERY 

During the first month or two of the encampment, 
no provision was made for the purchase of liquors in 
camp, the officers being obliged to procure their sup- 
plies from outside sources. This proving inconvenient, 
however, and many of the soldiers showing dissatisfac- 
tion over the limiting of their allowance and obtaining 
liquor through illicit methods, it was deemed expedient, 
at a conference held over the matter by the General 
Officers, that a return should be made to the Sutler 
system, and this was restored about February ist, after 
having been in disuse since November 5th. The rules 
at first laid down for its regulation were amended April 
i6th, and in the form of a general order were announced 
as follows: 

68 



**The Commander-in-Chief directs that only one 
sutler be allowed to each Brigade, who shall have one 
sutling booth within the limits of the Brigade, and shall 
sell liquors at no other, where he shall sell his liquors at 
the following prices to the officers and soldiers of the 
Brigade to which he belongs, and on no pretence to any 
other under penalty of having his whole stock seized, 
and being rendered incapable of ever serving in the army 
again: — 

Whiskey, peach brandy, apple brandy, cordials of 
all kinds, and any other home-made spirits, 15/ pr. 
gallon, pr. quart 4/, pr. pint 2/, pr. half pint 1/3. 

West India spirits, full proof, pr. quart 15/. Pr. 
bowl of toddy, containing half a pint of spirits 7/6. 
Cider 1/3 pr. quart, strong beer 2/6 pr. quart, common 
beer 1/ pr. quart, vinegar 2/6 pr. quart. 

The sutler also is at liberty to sell leaf tobacco at 4/ 
pr. lb.. Pig-tail at 7/6 pr. lb., and hard soap at 4/ pr. lb., 
but no other articles. 

No persons whatsoever, besides such licensed sutlers, 
or commissioners sent by particular States, shall sell 
liquors of any kind in camp, or within seven miles of 
camp, under penalty of having their whole stock seized 
without payment for the use of the army; except that 
the Quartermaster General is authorized to allow one 
or more houses of entertainment to accommodate travel- 
lers and strangers who must be necessarily in the vicinity 
of the camp, the persons receiving the license for that 
purpose giving sufficient security not to vend their liquors 
to any person belonging to the army." 



69 



DINNER AT THE HEADQUARTERS 

It was Washington's custom to have the Field 
Officers of each day take dinner with him in his private 
quarters. If at any time the urgency of their duties 
interfered with this arrangement, they were invited to 
dine with him the day following. 

This gave him the opportunity both of acquainting 
himself intimately with the character of his officers, and 
of conferring with them upon matters of importance 
concerning the army or camp. P. S. Duponceau, w^ho 
'was one of the young officers of the army while at Valley 
Forge, and aid to General Steuben, referring to this 
custom of the Commander-in-Chief, tells us: "The 
General, partaking of the hardships of his brave men, 
was accustomed to sit down with his invited officers and 
others to a scanty piece of meat, with some hard bread 
and a few potatoes. At his house they drank the health 
and prosperity of the nation in humble toddy, and the 
luxurious dessert consisted of a plate of hickory nuts. 
There his fortitude and dignity always gave new spirits 
to his officers." 

Mrs. Martha Washington also, who joined her hus- 
band at Valley Forge on February loth, was regularly 
present at these gatherings while in camp and presided 
at the table. Of her the same officer writes: "Mrs. 
Washington possessing always at the head of his 
table her mild dignified countenance, grave yet cheer- 
ful — her countenance and manner reflected the feelings 
of the hero whose name she bore. Her presence 
inspired fortitude, and those who came to her with 
almost desponding hearts retired full of hope and 
confidence." 

70 



A MEAL IN ONE OF THE HUTS 

A gentleman who was an officer in camp gives us 
through the pen of another, in Watson's Annals, the 
following peep into one of the huts at meal time: "Their 
table was loose planks, rough as split from the tree. 
One dish of wood or pewter sufficed for a mess (a dozen 
men), A horn spoon and tumbler of horn was lent 
round. Their knife was carried in the pocket. Fresh 
beef they could scarcely get. Of vegetables they had 
none, save sometimes some potatoes. Much of their 
diet was salted herring, which was often in bad state. 
Sugar, coffee, tea, etc., were luxuries not seen. Bread 
they were often without. Whiskey the same, though 
dow^n as part of the daily ration. Yet, cheerless as was 
such a state, sometimes for pleasantry you might see a 
squad of men affecting to have received a supply of 
whiskey, and passing round the stone jug as if filled, when 
lo! the eager expectant found it was only water. The 
fun was that the deceived still kept the secret in hopes 
to pass it to another and another unwary wight." 

As disclosing the uncomplaining spirit of the men, 
Duponceau, Aide to Steuben, states that sometimes you 
might see soldiers pop their heads out of their huts and 
call out in an undertone: "No bread, no soldier," but a 
single word from their officer would still their complaint. 

To prevent the waste of ammunition and alarming 
the camp, all firing of guns by the soldiers was absolutely 
forbidden unless by license first obtained from the Major- 
General of the day; and the order added: "The instant 
a gun is fired a sergeant and file of men shall be sent to 
catch the villain who is thus wasting ammunition and 
alarming the camp." 

71 



SPARKS FROM THE CAMP FIRES 

Grand parade at 9 o'clock every morning. 

Axes and timber for the axing — huts thrown in. 

New Year's Cheer! A gill apiece all round. 

No gambling in camp, and no swearing allowed 
except "By George." 

A flag to Philadelphia at 9 to-morrow — Get in your 
love letters. 

Save your dirty tallow and make soft soap. 

Divine services every Sunday at 11 o'clock. 

Tailors freed from other duty — wish I were a tailor! 

Poultice for hardship — an extra month's pay — Cheers 
for Congress! 

If you haven't had the small-pox, call on Dr. Cochran. 

Bring in a deserter and get ten dollars' reward. 

Low beats the drum — another comrade mustered out. 

Keep at the cartridge-making— Put in the buckshot. 

Shift ye winds ! Some fellows are boiling soap grease. 

Welcome to Mrs. Washington — Caps off to the Chief- 
Look decent on parade, boys — Shave, and comb your 
hair. 

Guns and ammunition to the front — Alarm on the 
south. 

Meet me at the guard house, Johnny — room for two. 

Spring flowers, spring showers — Bring out your 
buckets. 

Forty rounds, a gill of rum and a blanket — Forward, 
March! 

HOSPITAL AND OTHER HUTS 

As fast as the huts for the men were completed, the 
tents which had been in use were ordered to be delivered 

72 



into the hands of the Quartermaster General, to be prop- 
erly washed, repaired, stored, and held in readiness for 
the next campaign. 

The hospital huts were not commenced till late in 
January. They were to measure 15 x 25 feet in the clear, 
be of one story, not less than 9 feet in height — to be 
covered with shingles only, without dirt — have windows 
on each side, and a chimney at one end. Two of these 
were to be provided for each Brigade, located as near 
the center of its camp as the ground would permit. 

The Provost Guard huts were erected about the same 
time, the Quartermaster General being instructed Jan- 
uary 15th to fix upon a suitable site between or near the 
lines where huts may be erected for persons under the 
Provost Guard. Subsequently two men with axes from 
each Brigade were detailed to construct the huts, and a 
skilled carpenter was sent to assist and direct them till 
the work was finished. 

Captain Shagg was the Provost Marshal until Jan- 
uary 23rd, and was succeeded in the office by Sergeant 
Howe. 

The Provost Guard huts were usually well filled with 
prisoners, including soldiers and citizens, who had been 
arrested on the charge of some crime, or misdemeanor. 
Here they were detained till they could be tried by a 
Court Martial, and following the trial, if found guilty, 
till sentence, which in every case must be approved by 
the Commander-in-Chief, was executed. Recorded 
against the prisoners such charges might prevail as: 
refusing to obey orders, drunkenness, theft, gaming, 
inciting to riot or mutiny, desertion or attempted deser- 
tion, insulting or assaulting an officer or citizen, behavior 

73 



unbecoming an officer, cowardice, challenging, absence 
from camp without permission, taking cattle or provis- 
ions to Philadelphia, giving aid or information to the 
enemy, acting as guide or spy to the latter, and many 
other offenses that might be named. 

If upon trial the charge against the prisoner was 
sustained, the penalty imposed, if upon a citizen or com- 
mon soldier, was, for ordinary offenses, from 39 to 150 
lashes on the bare back, "well laid on"; if upon a com- 
missioned officer, public reprimand, dismissal, or dis- 
missal with infamy, from the service; and for desertion 
or acting as guide or spy for the enemy, the penalty of 
death. The sentence was usually executed in the pres- 
ence of a part or the whole of the army, at the daily pa- 
rade. One or two recorded examples, illustrative of the 
manner and severity with which penalties were inflicted 
(though extreme cases), will form interesting reading. 

"Head Quarters V. F., January 5th, 1778. A Gen. 
Court Martial held the ist Instant, whereof Colo. Sambre 
was presidt. Appeared Dunham Ford, Commissary in 
Genl. Green's division, charged with Theft. The Court 
having consider'd the Charge and Evidence are of 
opinion that Dunham Ford is guilty of the Charge 
exhibited against him and do sentence him to pay Mr. 
Spencer & Mr. Hotawell 200 dollars and that after he 
shall procure a Certificate from the aforesaid Genl. of 
the payment of the above sum, he be brought from the 
Provost Guard mounted on a horse back foremost with- 
out a Saddle, his Coat turn'd wrong side out, his hands 
tied behind him & be drum'd out of the Army (never 
more to return) by all the Drums in the Division to which 
he belongs, and that the above sentence be published in 

74 



the Newspapers. The Commander-in-Chief approves 
the Sentence and orders it put in Execution." 

"A Division Court Martial held the 15th instant 
(January), v^hereof Lt. Colo. Ballard was President. 
Capt. Lambert of the 14th Virga. Regt. tried for stealing 
a Hatt from Captn. Allis, found guilty and unanimously 
sentenced to be Cashiered, and that it be deemed scan- 
dalous for an ojfficer to Associate with him in future and 
that his Crime, Name and place of Abode and punish- 
ment be published in and about Camp and in the news- 
papers of every State, particularly the State he belongs 
to, and that he pay Captn. AUis 30 dollars for the hat he 
stole from him, also the expences of the Witnesses against 
him and the expences of an express sent for them — Which 
shall be paid before he is released from his confinement — 
The Commander-in-Chief approves the Sentence and 
orders it to take place immediately." 

Mary Johnson, found guilty January 29th of laying 
a plot to desert to the enemy, was "sentenced to receive 
100 lashes and to be drummed out of Camp by all the 
drums and fifes in the Division." 

Flogging, or whipping, as a penalty for breach of 
Martial law, was adopted in the American Army from 
the military code of the British, with whom, as here, it 
was often inflicted with seemingly barbarous severity. 
The practice was long ago discontinued by the United 
States Government. It may be noted, however, that 
under the civil statutes of one State (Delaware) it still 
exists, and is occasionally used as a punishment for 
petty crimes. 

75 



GENERALS AT VALLEY FORGE UNDER 
WASHINGTON 

MAJOR GENERALS 

( Commanding Di'visions or Special Corps ) 

Nathaniel Greene Lord Stirling 

Alexander McDougall (William Alexander) 

Baron De Kalb Charles Lee 

Marquis de Lafayette Baron von Steuben ^ 

Thomas Mifflin John SuUivan 

BRIGADIER GENERALS 

Thomas Conway ^ (Penna. Troops) 

John Glover (Mass. Troops) 

Jedediah Huntington (Conn. Troops) 

Henry Knox (Corps of Artillery) 

Ebenezer Learned (N. H. Troops) 

William Maxwell (N. J. Troops) 

Lachlan Mcintosh (Ga. & N. C. Troops) 

John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg (Penna. Troops). 

John Patterson (Conn. & Mass. Troops). 

Enoch Poor (N. Y. Troops). 

Charles Scott (Va. Troops). 

Anthony Wayne (Penna. Troops). 

George Weeden (Va. Troops). 

WiUiam Woodford (ist Va. Brigade). 

James M. Varnum (R. I. Troops). 

Count Pulaski (Light Dragoons). 

Louis Lebeque Duportail (Corps of Engineers). 

Some of these were in camp but a short time, and 
others intermittently. Lee was for months a captive in 

^Page 76. ^Page 80. 

76 



Philadelphia. Lafayette came late, being detained at 
Bethlehem by the wound he received at Brandywine, 
and afterwards saw Httle of the camp. He, McDougall, 
and Sullivan were detached to do service much of the 
time on important posts in proximity to the enemy. 
Besides these, several of the Brigadiers were assigned to 
distant posts of duty. 

Washington's Life Guard consisted originally of one 
hundred picked men of the Virginia line, but after the 
arrival of General Steuben it was increased by the addi- 
tion of another hundred selected from the other states. 
It was thus enlarged for the purpose of forming a corps 
to be instructed in the manoeuvres about to be introduced 
into the army and to serve as a model for their execution. 

General Conway late in December was by Congress 
appointed inspector-general to the army, and promoted 
to the rank of Major-General, but did not afterwards 
remain long in the service, his resignation resulting from 
the exposure of his prominent connection with a con- 
spiracy to oust Washington from the chief command. 
This is known as the Conway Cabal. The plan was to 
put Gates or Lee in the General's place. Both of these 
men coveted the position and had some secret following 
in Congress. Conway was _a^nere_t ool. An attempt 
was made to draw Lafayette into the plot but failed. 
Washington learned of the matter but waited quietly, 
till the plot was ripe, then crushed it by exposure before 
Congress, greatly to the chagrin and humiliation of the 
participants. 

In the army at Valley Forge at the time of the encamp- 
ment were a number of men beneath the rank of general 

77 



who afterwards acquired national distinction. Among 
these were Alexander Hamilton and Colonel Trumbul 
aids to Washington; Timothy Pickering who became 
a cabinet officer; George Clinton, Vice President; 
Henry Dearborn, Secretary of War; Thomas Hiester, 
Governor of Pennsylvania; Richard Peters, Judge of 
U. S. Court; John Marshall (then a private in the ranks), 
Chief Justice U. S.; James Monroe, President United 
States; and others. 

CAMP DRUDGERY 

In the routine of the camp, outside of picket and 
other forms of military duty, wood had to be cut and 
lugged for the fires, water carried from remote springs, 
food cooked and vessels cleansed, clothes washed and 
holes patched, or tied with a string, huts kept clean, 
filth and garbage removed from the camp streets, cattle 
slaughtered, their horns and hoofs boiled for the oil, 
soft-soap made, the horses and other animals cared for, 
etc., not to mention the many unwelcome duties con- 
nected with the care of the sick and the burial of the dead. 

Poor clothes and shabby surroundings lead as a rule 
to the extinction of self-respect. The average soldier at 
Valley Forge was no exception under the rule. In con- 
sequence April 8th the Commander-in-Chief was obliged 
to order "the adjutants to see that the troops came on 
guard parade looking as neat and respectable as possible." 
"Despite," he said, "of the indiff^erent quality and want 
of uniformity in clothing, the soldier may always shave 
his beard, appear with clean hands and face, and in 
general have an air of neatness." "Clean camp, clean 
clothes," he added, "and vituals well-dressed contribute 
above everything else to the health of the soldier, and 

78 



would go far to prevent such number of deaths as have 
unfortunately taken place since w^e came to this ground." 

RELIGIOUS SERVICES 

Divine services v^ere held in camp every Sunday, 
at v^hich sermons were preached by the Chaplains to 
their respective brigades. If the circumstances of the 
army on a Sunday were such as to render this imprac- 
ticable, provision was made for holding the service at 
another time in the week. 

THE ARTIFICERS 

The term "Artificers" is a general term, and was used 
to include tradesmen, or skilled workmen, of every craft 
whose services could be used to advantage in field or 
camp. It embraced carpenters, wagon makers, black- 
smiths, gunsmiths, saddlers, masons, and followers of 
allied trades. . 

The artificers constituted the mechanical, or prac- ( 
tical, arm of the Engineering Corps, which embraced 
on the other hand the sappers and miners, surveyors 
and draftsmen. This corps was under the command 
of Brigadier-General Duportail. Early in February 
there was a reorganization of the corps, and several new 
companies were added. Three captains, and an equal 
number of First and Second Lieutenants, were needed 
to officer these, and notice was given (February 8th) 
that those desirous of taking commissions in the com- 
panies to be formed, for which a knowledge of practical 
geometry and drawing was a necessary qualification, 
should hand in their names to the Adjutant-General's 
office. 

79 



In order, also, that men might be gathered out of 
the regiments to swell the ranks of the Artificers, com- 
manding officers were required to make a return of 
the names of all suitable persons under their respective 
commands, so that they might be properly assigned 
and their services utilized. 

When the force had been well organized a Mr. Davis 
Bevan was appointed to superintend the workmen and 
deal out materials. "In the future," it was ordered 
(May 5th), after mentioning Mr. Bevan's appointment, 
"when boards or planks are wanting, or artificers are 
necessary to do any jobs in the army, an order signed by 
a general officer, officers commanding Brigades, or 
Brigade Quartermasters, and directed to Mr. Bevan at 
Sullivan's Bridge, will be duly attended to." Everything 
in or about camp, or while the army was upon the march, 
requiring skilled labor to construct or repair, was per- 
formed by these workmen. Sometimes when a Brigade 
or Regiment had its own tools and facilities for the per- 
formance of certain kinds of work, particularly tailor- 
ing, shoemaking, or even gun repairing, it was allowed, 
under certain conditions, to do it in its own camp, but 
the bulk of all sorts of mechanical work was performed 
in the workshops which stood near the present Old 
Forge. 

The Pioneers were men who moved in front of the 
army while on the march to prepare the way for rapid 
advance. For this work 150 men were usually chosen 
from each brigade. Each man carried an axe for the 
hewing of timber and preparing of roads, and when 
arrived at a new camping place their duty was to cut 
wood for their respective brigades. The men were 



accompanied by their brigade quartermasters, who 
directed them in their work. On account of the class of 
service rendered they were excused from all guard and 
other ordinary duty, though they were required at all 
times to carry their guns with them, and if an action was 
expected they must deliver up their axes to the quarter- 
masters and join their respective corps. 

Too much emphasis cannot be placed upon the im- 
portance of Steuben's work at Valley Forge as contribut- 
ing to the army's success in the campaign that followed. 
No man ever attempted such a task, as he assumed, 
under less favorable conditions— a third or more of the 
troops on the sick list with daily ravages being made 
in the ranks by the enemy death, and another third 
largely in rags and without suitable arms — yet no man 
ever accomplished more in so short a time. Inside of 
one month from the time he was appointed Inspector- 
General, March i8th, the troops had taken on a more 
soldierly appearance, and by the 19th of June they had 
been so trained in a system of useful manoeuvres and 
regularity of discipline as to be able to cope successfully 
with the trained troops of the British army. 

WASHINGTON'S WAR HORSES 

What is more fitting than that mention should be 
here made of the two war horses. Nelson and Blueskin, 
that served the Commander-in-Chief while at Valley 
Forge, and throughout the war. They were familiar 
figures in the camp's life, and in no small degree shared 
the respect and affection which were entertained by the 
soldiers towards their great Chief. Mr. John Hunter, 
an English visitor at Mt. Vernon in 1785, in a letter to 



a friend, makes the following reference to these worthy 
steeds: 

"When dinner was over we visited the General's 
stables, and saw his magnificent horses, among them 
Old Nelson, now 22 years of age, that carried the General 
almost always during the war. Blueskin, another fine 
old horse, next to him had that honor. They have heard 
the roaring of many a cannon in their time. Blueskin 
was not the favorite on account of his not standing fire 
so well as venerable Old Nelson. The General makes 
no manner of use of them now. He keeps them in a nice 
stable, where they feed away at their ease for their past 
services." 

WATCHING THE ENEMY 

That Washington for a month or more had been 
keeping close watch of the enemy's movements in Phila- 
delphia, and was holding himself in readiness at an hour's 
notice to take advantage of any change in the situation, 
is shown from the following extracts from his letters to 
the President of Congress. 

May 1 8th he wrote: "From a variety of concurring 
circumstances, and the uniform report of persons who 
have left Philadelphia within four days, it would appear 
that the enemy mean to evacuate the city." 

May 25th. "The enemy are making every prepara- 
tion and seem to be upon the point of leaving Phila- 
delphia." 

May 29th. "That the enemy mean to evacuate 
Philadelphia is almost reduced to a certainty." 

June loth. "We have been kept in anxious expecta- 
tion of the enemy evacuating Philadelphia for upwards 
of fourteen days." 

82 



Finally June i8th, at ii A.M., he wrote: "I have 
the pleasure to inform Congress that I was this minute 
advised by Mr. Roberts that the enemy evacuated the 
city this morning. I have put six brigades in motion; 
and the rest of the army are preparing to follow with all 
possible dispatch." Seven hours later, (6 P. m.) he 
added: "I have appointed General Arnold to command 
in Philadelphia, as the state of his wound will not permit 
his services in a more active line. Colonel Jackson, with 
a detachment of troops, is to attend him. The General 
set out this evening, and I shall move with the main body 
of the army at five in the morning to-morrow." 

This was probably the last communication penned 
by the Commander-in-Chief from the Valley Forge Head- 
quarters. The spare moments left to him before five in 
the morning were occupied in issuing instructions to the 
various commanding officers. 




83 



DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS 



NOTHING is calculated to give a truer insight 
into the deplorable condition of things in 
camp than some of the letters written on the 
subject at the time by Washington and others, extracts 
from which are here given. (See Sparks' Life of 
Washington Vol. V.) 

On the 22nd of December, 1777, Washington wrote 
from Valley Forge to Congress as follows: 

"It is with infinite pain and concern that I transmit 
to Congress the enclosed copies of sundry letters respect- 
ing the state of the Commissary's department. In these, 
matters are not exaggerated. I do not know from what 
cause this alarming deficiency, or rather total failure of 
supplies, arises; but unless more vigorous and better 
regulations take place in that line immediately this 
army must dissolve. I have done all in my power, by 
remonstrating, by writing, by ordering the commis- 
saries on this head, from time to time; but without any 
good effect, or obtaining more than a present scanty 
relief. Owing to this, the march of the army has been 
delayed, upon more than one interesting occasion, in 
the course of the present campaign; and had a body of 
the enemy crossed the Schuylkill this morning, as I had 
reason to expect from the intelligence I received at four 
o'clock last night, the divisions which I ordered to be 
in readiness to march and meet them could not have 
moved. It is unnecessary for me to add more upon the 
subject. I refer Congress to the copies." 

84 



Huntington to Washington, Dec. 22nd: 

"I received an order to hold my brigade in readiness 
to march. Fighting will be by far preferable to starving. 
My brigade are out of provisions, nor can the commis- 
sary obtain any meat. I am exceedingly unhappy in 
being the bearer of complaints to Headquarters. I have 
used every argument my imagination can invent to make 
the soldiers easy, but I despair of being able to do it 
much longer." 

Varnum to Washington, same date: 

"According to the saying of Solomon, 'hunger will 
break through a stone wall'. It is therefore a very 
pleasing circumstance to the division under my com- 
mand that there is a probability of their marching. 
Three days successively we have been destitute of bread. 
Two days we have been entirely without meat. The 
men must be supplied or they cannot be commanded. 
The complaints are too urgent to pass unnoticed. It is 
with pain that I mention this distress. I know it will 
make your Excellency unhappy, but if you expect the 
exertion of virtuous principles while your troops are 
deprived of the necessaries of life, your final disappoint- 
ment will be great in proportion to the patience, which 
now astonishes every man of human feeling." 

Washington to Governor Livingston Dec. 31st: 

"I sincerely feel for the unhappy condition of our 
poor fellows in the hospitals, and wish my powers to 
relieve them were equal to my inclination. It is but too 
melancholy a truth, that our hospital stores are exceed- 
ingly scanty and deficient in every instance, and I fear 

85 



there is no prospect of their shortly being better. Our 
difficulties and distresses are certainly great, and such 
as wound the feelings of humanity. Our sick naked, 
and well naked, our unfortunate men in captivity naked! 
You were certainly right in representing the state of the 
sick, that they may be made more happy if possible." 

Washington to Governor Clinton Feb. i6, 1778: 

"To form a just idea of the present dreadful situa- 
tion of the army for want of provisions, it were neces- 
sary to be on the spot. For some days past there has been 
little less than a famine in camp. A part of the army has 
been a week without any kind of flesh, and the rest three 
or four days. Naked and starving as they are, we cannot 
enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of 
the soldiery, that they have not been ere this encited by 
their suffering to a general mutiny and dispersion." 

Wayne to the Secretary of War: 

"I am not fond of danger, but I would most cheer- 
fully agree to enter into action, once every week, in place 
of visiting each hut of my encampment (which is my 
constant practice), and where objects strike my eye 
whose wretched condition beggars all description. For 
God's sake give us, if you can't give us anything else, 
give us linen that we may be enabled to preserve the poor 
worthy fellows from the vermin that are now devouring 
them. Some hundreds we have buried who have died 
of a disorder produced by a want of clothing." 

Poor to the Governor of New York: 

"I have upwards of seventy men unfit for duty, only 
for want of the articles of clothing; twenty of which 

86 



have no breeches at all, so that they are obliged to take 
their blankets to cover their nakedness, and as many 
without a single shirt, stocking or shoe; about thirty 
fit for duty; the rest sick or lame, and God knows it 
won't be long before they will be all laid up, as the poor 
fellows are obliged to fetch wood and water on their 
backs, half a mile with bare legs in snow or mud." 

PLAIN TALK TO CONGRESS 

Washington to President of Congress Dec. 23, 1777: 

"Sir: Full as I was in my representation of the 
matters in the commissary's department yesterday, fresh 
and more powerful reasons oblige me to add, that I am 
now convinced without a doubt, that, unless some great 
and capital change suddenly takes place in that line, 
this army must inevitably be reduced to one or other of 
these three things; starve, dissolve, or disperse in order 
to obtain subsistence in the best manner they can. 
Rest assured. Sir, this is not an exaggerated picture, 
and that I have abundant reason to suppose what I say. 
Yesterday afternoon, receiving information that the 
enemy in force had left the city, and were advancing 
towards Derbey with the apparent design to forage, and 
draw subsistence from that part of the country, I ordered 
the troops to be in readiness, that I might give every 
opposition in my power; when behold, to my great morti- 
fication, I was not only informed, but convinced, that 
the men were unable to stir on account of provision, and 
that a dangerous mutiny, begun the night before, and 
which with difficulty was suppressed by the spirited 
exertions of some officers, was still much to be appre- 
hended, for want of this article. This brought forth the 

87 



only commissary in the purchasing Hne in this camp; 
and, with him, this melancholy and alarming truth, that 
he had not a single hoof of any kind to slaughter, and not 
more than twenty-five barrels of flour. From hence 
form an opinion of our situation when I add, that he 
could not tell when to expect any. * * * 

Though I have been tender heretofore of giving any 
opinion, or lodging complaints, as the change in that 
department (commissary) took place contrary to my 
judgment, and the consequences thereof were pre- 
dicted; yet, finding that the inactivity of the army, 
whether for want of provisions, clothes, or other essen- 
tials, is charged to my account, not only by the common 
vulgar but by those in power, it is time to speak plain 
in exculpation of myself. With truth, then, I can de- 
clare, that no man in my opinion ever had his measures 
more impeded than I have, by every department of the 
army. 

Since the month of July we have had no assistance 
from the quartermaster-general.* * * And this, the 
great and crying evil, is not all. The soap, vinegar, and 
other articles allowed by Congress, we see none of, nor 
have we see them, I believe, since the battle of Brandy- 
wine. The first, indeed, we have now little occasion 
for; few men having more than one shirt, many only 
the moiety of one, and some none at all. In addition to 
which, as a proof of the little benefit received from a 
clothier-general, and as a further proof of the inability 
of an army, under the circumstances of this, to perform 
the common duties of soldiers (besides a number of men 
confined to hospitals for want of shoes, and others in 
farmers' houses on the same account), we have, by a 

88 



field return this day made, no less than two thousand, 
eight hundred and ninety-eight men now in camp unfit 
for duty, because they are barefoot and otherwise naked. 
* * * Since the 4th instant our numbers fit for duty, 
from the hardships and exposures they have undergone, 
particularly on account of blankets (numbers having 
been obliged, and still are, to sit up all night by fires, 
instead of taking comfortable rest in a natural and com- 
mon way), have decreased near two thousand men. 
We find gentlemen, without knowing whether the army 
was really going into winter quarters or not, reprobating 
the measure as much as if they thought the soldiers 
were made of stocks or stones, and equally insensible of 
frost and snow. * * * 

But what makes this matter still more extraordinary 
in my eye is, that these very gentlemen — who were well 
apprized of the nakedness of the troops from ocular 
demonstration — should think a winter's campaign, and 
the covering of these States from the invasion of an 
enemy, so easy and practicable a business. I can assure 
those gentlemen, that it is a much easier and less dis- 
tressing thing to draw remonstrances in a comfortable 
room by a good fireside, than to occupy a cold, bleak 
hill, and sleep under frost and snow, without clothes 
and blankets. However, although they seem to have 
little feeling for the naked and distressed soldiers, I feel 
superabundantly for them, and, from my soul, pity those 
miseries, which it is neither in my power to relieve or 
prevent. It is for these reasons, therefore, I have dwelt 
upon the subject; and it adds not a little to my other 
difficulties and distress to find that much more is expected 
of me than is possible to be performed, and that upon the 



ground of safety and policy 1 am obliged to conceal the 
true state of the army from public view, and thereby 
expose myself to detraction and calumny. 

The honorable committee of Congress went from 
camp fully possessed of my sentiments respecting the 
establishment of this army. * * * I would earnestly 
advise that the commissary-general of purchases, whom 
I rarely see, may be directed to form magazines without 
a moment's delay, in the neighborhood of this camp, in 
order to procure provisions for us in case of bad weather 
(and the coming campaign). The quartermaster-general 
ought also to be busy in his department. In short, there 
is as much to be done in preparing for a campaign, as 
in the active part of it. Everything depends upon the 
preparation that is made in the several departments, 
and the success or misfortunes of the next campaign 
will more than probably originate with our activity or 
supineness during this winter. 

I have the honor to be, &c." 

May 29th Washington wrote in a letter to General 
Gates: "We have near,, four thousand men sick of the 
small-pox and other disorders." This was twenty-one 
days before the evacuation of the cantonment. 

General hospitals were maintained at Reading, 
Bethlehem, Quaker Meeting House, Buckingham Meet- 
ing House, and other points, to which the sick and 
wounded were transferred from the camp hospitals as 
these became filled. In the work of transfer "Flying 
Hospitals," so called, or ambulances, were used. Doctor 
Garick was director of the hospital at Reading. 



90 



VILLAGE LANDMARKS NOW 
OBLITERATED 



THE OLD FORGE 

A S stated elsewhere, the forge which gave name 
/ % to the place was situated on the western, or 
Jl. _m^ Chester Co., side of Valley creek, about five- 
eighths of a mile from its mouth. 

This fact of late has been questioned. Some writers 
have placed it on the opposite, or Montgomery Co., side 
of the creek. An inference hastily drawn from its 
early name, and its having belonged to the Mt. Joy 
Manor, may have led to this error. The Manor of Mt. 
Joy however was a tract of land granted October 24th, 
1 701, by William Penn to his daughter Letitia, which 
originally contained 7,800 acres. But more likely, the 
error has arisen from confounding this forge with one 
which immediately succeeded it, built on the other side 
farther down the stream. 

The original forge, built before 1751, was burnt by 
British soldiers about September 23rd, 1777, as part of 
Howe's army passed through the place and crossed the 
Schuylkill at Fatland ford, on their way to the occupa- 
tion of Philadelphia.^ 

The reason for their burning the forge was that its 
owners, Mr. David Potts and Col. Dewees, were strong 
patriots, and had caused, or allowed, to be stored there, 

^ Page 103. 

91 



and in one or two other buildings, a considerable quan- 
tity of military supplies. Of this the British received 
information, but, as it would appear, upon the arrival 
of a squad of men to capture the stores the latter had been 
successfully removed, so in their disappointment they 
put the torch to the innocent workshop. 

This event occurred nearly three months before the 
arrival of Washington's army for the winter encamp- 
ment. Upon the arrival of the troops, and their curious 
inspection of the surrounding territory which would 
naturally follow, to many of them, on the alert for any 
sort of material suitable for use in camp construction, 
the charred walls and iron scrap of the ruined forge, in 
its wooded seclusion, presented an irresistible tempta- 
tion for pillage, and in a short time they had made 
serious depredations upon the property. Stones were 
removed from its walls, and iron plates from the debris 
within, making it necessary for the owners, within two 
weeks from the coming of the troops, to appeal to 
the Commander-in-Chief to have the depredations 
stopped. 

In consequence of this appeal Washington, on the 
6th of January, issued in camp the following order: 

"Col. Dewees, who is nearly ruined by the enemy, 
complains that the ruins of his buildings are likely to be 
destroyed by this army. The Commander-in-Chief 
positively forbids the least injury to be done to the walls 
and chimneys of Col. Dewees' buildings, and as divers 
iron plates have been taken from them, the commanding 
officers of corps are immediately to inspect all the huts 
of their regiments and make returns to the Quarter- 
master General of all they can find, and the names of 
. 92 



the persons in whose possession they are found, that they 
may be restored when demanded." — Weedens Orderly. 

The reference in this document is without question 
to the ruined forge, the roar and clatter of whose fire 
and tilt-hammer had now been silent for more than three 
months. 

The proprietors, during this time however were not 
idle nor without plan or purpose for the reestablishment 
of their ruined business. On the contrary, there is reason 
to believe that soon after the burning of the forge they 
reached a decision not to rebuild the old work-shop, but 
to erect another in a more accessible location. The site 
selected for this was half a mile farther down the creek, 
on the Montgomery Co. side, near the Gulph road, 
probably not far above the site of the present yarn mill, 
and work upon the enterprise was immediately begun. 

In determining this the wanton conduct again of some 
of the soldiers comes to our aid. Evidently the Com- 
mander-in-Chief's order of January 6th had not made a 
very lasting impression upon their minds. Perhaps the 
mischief perpetrated at this time was by persons who for 
some reason had not heard the order. Be this as it may, 
in consequence of further complaints from Col. Dewees, 
Washington was obliged to issue a second mandate. 
The date of this was April 29th, nearly four months 
subsequent to the first. It reads as follows: — 

''Complaint having been made by Mr. Dewees, 
proprietor of the Valley Forge, that the soldiers pull 
down the houses and break up the forebays at what is 
called the New Forge upon Valley Creek, the Command- 
er-in-Chief strictly forbids all persons from further 

93 



damaging the said buildings and works, which he hopes 
will be particularly attended to — especially when they 
consider the great loss which Mr. Dewees has already 
suffered by the enemy, and by the great waste our army 
has been under the necessity of committing upon his 
wood and other improvements." — fFeeden's Orderly. 

The language here used, particularly the clause — 
'* at what is called the New Forge on Valley Creek^ 
speaks for itself, and clearly indicates that the successor 
to the forge burnt by the British some seven months 
before was now well advanced in construction — perhaps 
nearly completed. Here in this New Forge, more con- 
veniently located, being nearer the lines of travel, its 
proprietors resumed their interrupted industry of manu- 
facturing wrought iron from the pig bars by the old- 
time refining process, where it was successfully continued 
during a number of years. This building, however, we 
are told, also was in ruins as early as 1816. 

In an article on the Forge by Howard M. Jenkins 
in the Pennsylvania Magazine, Vol. XVII, page 430, the 
position is taken that its location was on the Montgomery 
county side. His argument seems a plausible one; but 
in the face of existing evidence in support of the Chester 
county site, it is far from decisive. Granting, what is 
not made altogether clear, that the 175 acres of land 
with which the forge was offered for sale in 1 75 1 was 
bounded on its western side by the various courses of 
Valley Creek — the county line — we must not lose sight 
of the fact that in those days, in contrast with these, 
land was not so valuable, nor were property lines so 
closely drawn or insisted upon as to preclude the erec- 
tion of a building a few feet — in this case forty or fifty 

94 



at most — beyond the owner's line, particularly in such 
a situation. A two minutes' glance at the spot will 
wonderfully aid our conceptions. 

On the Montgomery county side the low ground 
between the creek and the hill at this point is too narrow 
to admit of a building of the most meager proportions, 
while the ground on the other side, more ample, is yet 
of such a character, situated at the base of a rugged, 
rocky, wood-covered mountain, and now partly covered 
by water, as to be of absolutely no intrinsic worth. In 
all the years that have intervened it has been put to no 
practical use; and to-day, were it not for its historic 
interest, as the supposed location of the forge, the entire 
site, without question, could be acquired for a song. 

In support of the Chester county location tradition 
is almost unanimous. Added to this is the testimony of 
one or two contemporary maps. The map prepared 
during the encampment by Colonel Dubuysson, for the 
use of General Lafayette, places it on the west side of 
Valley Creek. 

The same is true of the map given by Sparks in his 
mammoth Biography of Washington. It may also be 
added that in the finding of slag on the premises by 
residents of the village, and others, a common occur- 
rence for years and as late as 1897, none of it has been 
reported found on the Montgomery side. 

THE GUN FACTORY 

The statement is made in a local historical work, 
pubHshed in 1872,^ that about the time of the Revolu- 
tionary war the United States Government built at Valley 

^ "Annals of Phoenixville and Vicinity" by S. W. Pennypacker. 
95 



Forge an establishment for the manufacture of muskets, 
concurrent with the building of similar establishments 
at Harper's Ferry, Va. and Springfield, Mass. The 
building, it is added, was a three-story structure, about 
100 ft. long by 30 ft. in depth. 

Of the correctness of such a statement I am unable 
to find any proof, and must regard it as purely an error. 

In the first place, no muskets are known to have 
been manufactured in this country by any Government 
institution prior to the year 1795. The first were manu- 
factured during that year at the National armory at 
Springfield, Mass., the year after its establishment by 
act of Congress approved April 2nd, 1794. 

During the Revolutionary War, in 1776, General 
Washington ordered Col. David Mason, of Boston, to 
establish a laboratory in New England for the prepara- 
tion of all kinds of ammunition. The location chosen 
for this was Springfield, and the laboratory ultimately 
developed into the Springfield Armory. 

Some muskets were repaired at this establishment 
during the Revolutionary War, but none were manu- 
factured previous to 1795. The Arsenal at Harper's 
Ferry was established in 1796, under the act previously 
mentioned. 

In addition to the facts just stated, it may be remarked 
that nowhere in any authoritative list of Government 
Arsenals, laboratories, forts, etc., does the name of 
Valley Forge appear; and in the War Department at 
Washington the Chief of Ordnance affirms that at his 
office nothing is known of any Government establish- 
ment being built at Valley Forge for the manufacture 
of muskets. 

96 



A gun factory, however, was established here in 1821, 
nearly 40 years after the war, not a Government estab- 
lishment, but a private enterprise under the manage- 
ment of Brooke Evans, an English operator; and we 
can readily perceive how reports concerning this might 
give rise to the story contained in the former statement. 

What is said to be part of the ruins of this old land- 
mark may still be seen in the yard back of the present old 
forge. For a long time it was used as a stable, but 
fifteen or more years ago it was burned down. On the 
same site previously there was a forge and slitting mill, 
built by David Potts and Joshua Malin, about 1 8 14. 
The latter also had a small shop, operated in connection 
with the other works, occupying exactly the site of the 
present forge building, in which he carried on the manu- 
facture of nails by the tedious hand process. 

In 1821 the two first-named shops were changed 
and enlarged, and formed the basis of the gun factory. 
The works also included a building, now extinct, on the 
opposite side of the creek. 

In regard to the success of the enterprise, or the 
details of its operation, but little accurate information 
seems to have been preserved, beyond the fact that by 
it during the period of its existence 20,000 muskets were 
manufactured. Whether these were sold to the United 
States Government, or shipped to a foreign market, is 
not definitely known. Neither can it be stated with 
accuracy just what type of musket the Evans factory 
produced. The fact that Mr. Evans was an EngHsh- 
man, and that he came directly from England to engage 
in the work of gun-making at Valley Forge, might war- 
rant the inference or assumption that in embarking in the 

97 



enterprise it was with the fixed intention of making Great 
Britain his prospective market; and if this were the case, 
he naturally would select as a model for manufacture 
that type of musket which he knew to be popular with 
British military authorities. 

MUSKETRY THEN AND NOW 

Whether intended for the American or the British 
market it was without question a flint-lock musket that 
Evans manufactured. The percussion-cap gun invented 
by a Scotch clergyman by the name of Forsythe, in 1807, 
had by this time (1821) come to be much talked of, both 
in military and sporting circles, but it was many years 
later before the system had become sufficiently developed 
and improved to secure for it moderate favor or general 
use. The needle gun invented by the German, Nicholas 
Dreyse, did not appear till 1827. 

The flint-lock system, dating back to about 1630, of 
Spanish origin, was introduced into England in the 
reign of William the Third, and from that time flint- 
lock guns gradually increased in favor until they became 
the general weapons of the country, being retained in 
use in the British army until after 1840. Indeed, flint- 
lock guns were manufactured in Birmingham for the 
British army as late as 1842. 

In the American Revolution a breech-loading carbine 
of the flint-lock type, known as the "Ferguson" rifle, 
invented some time previous to 1776, was used to some 
extent by the British army. It was the first time it 
had been used by a regularly organized British corps. 
In this country the flint-lock gun held sway quite 
as late as with the British, until it was finally super- 



seded by muskets of the percussion type of American 
manufacture. 

At the commencement of the Revolutionary war the 
colonists had but few arms. The first supply had there- 
fore to be collected in great part from individuals, and 
included a great variety of styles and bore, or caliber. 

In course of time a considerable supply was procured 
from France, these principally being of the old model of 
1763, commonly known as the "Charleville Musket." 
This gun, with some slight changes, served as a pattern 
for the flint-lock arms manufactured by the United States 
when manufacturing operations begun. The first per- 
cussion-cap musket produced in this countrv was that 
manufactured at the National Armory at Springfield, 
Mass., in 1844 known as the model 1842, because 
adopted by the army in that year. The flint-lock musket 
was set aside as soon as a suflScient number of percus- 
sion-lock muskets had been manufactured and issued. 
The first issue of the latter was made to Co." A" ist U. S. 
Artillery then stationed at Fort Preble, Maine, in Decem- 
ber, 1844. The type of small arm now in use in the 
army is called "U. S. Rifle, Model of 1903." 

THE OLD GRIST MILL 

This stood opposite the Washington Headquarters, 
on the same side of the creek, close to the present rail- 
road embankment. It was built by Isaac Potts not later 
than 1760, and was in successful operation up to Sep- 
tember, 1777, when as some say it shared the fate of the 
old Forge at the hands of the British. If burnt at 
that time, which is doubtful, it was afterwards rebuilt, 
for during many subsequent years it served the farming 

; , , 99 



community in the grinding of their grists, till it was 
destroyed by fire in 1843, having taken fire, as was sup- 
posed, from the spark of a locomotive. A piece of the 
old water-wheel is preserved in the Headquarters as an 
interesting relic. 

A NEW GRIST MILL 

To take the place of the old was erected the year 
following (1844), a hundred yards or more farther up 
the creek, by Mr. Ogden, who then owned the property. 
After being used for a quarter of a century as a grist 
mill, April 4th, 1870, it was bought, greatly added to, 
and converted by the purchaser into what was known as: 



KNAUER'S PAPER MILL 

Where for a number of years the proprietor, Mr. 
Isaiah Knauer, carried on a successful business, manu- 
facturing a fine quality of stationery and other kinds of 
paper for the Philadelphia market. His place of resi- 
dence during the time was the house now known as the 
Washington Inn. In a building adjoining the paper- 
mill the manufacture of chairs and bent timber was 
carried on for several years by Mr. L. Grover, a son-in- 
law of Mr. Knauer. Later the property changed hands, 
and in 1885 the mill was destroyed by fire. The old 
ruins and tall brick smoke-stack were removed by the 
Park Commission in 1909, after the purchase of the 
property by the State, and preparatory to the improve- 
ments which have since been made by the Commission 
on the plot of ground now termed the "Valley Green." 



THE SHODDY MILL 

Was another old land-mark, built about 1850, and 
used for a number of years in the manufacture of shod- 
dy — a wool fibre produced from rags — an article em- 
ployed, to a considerable extent, a generation or more 
ago to mix with new wool as a cheapening element in 
the manufacture of woolen cloths. 

It stood in the rear of the grounds belonging to the 
Headquarters, immediately across from the railway 
station, near what is now the entrance to the Boulevard. 
For a number of years the old ruin stood as a grim sentinel 
of bygone days to greet the visitor to the Forge as he 
stepped from the railway train. 

THE OLD BREWERY • 

The tumble-down shell of the old brew house is also 
within the recollection of some of the oldest residents of 
the village. Its location was just east of the M. E. 
Church on ground now crossed by the quarry railroad. 
It was erected in the first place as a barn for the adjoin- 
ing dwelling by Mr. Vogdes owner of the property — 
was afterwards converted into a tannery — later into a 
brew house, and after being used for a time as such, 
stood for many years unoccupied. The period of its 
activity belonged to the fifties in the last century. While 
in operation it is said to have carried on a thriving keg 
trade in the surrounding country, besides filling many a 
stone jug from its back door to be carried up Jug Hollow, 
the frequent appearance of which in that wooded ravine, 
once known as Welsh Hollow, caused it to be dubbed 
with its present cognomen. Jug Hollow is about a mile 



west of the village, and is entered by a road leading to 
the left from off the lower road to Phoenixville. 

Why the projectors of the brewery should have 
planted it so close to a Methodist church has always 
been a mystery. That its noteworthy location, on the 
other hand, had anything to do with its ultimate failure, 
cannot now be determined. Its ruins were removed 
about 1870, and the stone used for the erection of the 
extensive wall which still appears around the adjacent 
property, east of the site, which was then the home of 
Mr. Isaiah Thropp who had owned and occupied it for 
some years. 




SIDE-LIGHT ITEMS 



AN INTERESTING EXTRACT^ 

THIS extract gives valuable information on 
several points and settles the question and 
date of the burning of the Forge. It covers 
the period when Washington and his army were in the 
vicinity of Pottsgrove. 

"September i8th, 1777. A man sent out discovered 
upwards of 3,800 barrels, of flour, soap and candles, 25 
barrels of horseshoes, several of tomahawks and kettles 
and intrenching tools, and 20 hogsheads of rum, 3 miles 
from hence at the Valley Forge. A detachment of 3 
companies light infantry went this night to possess it. 
The commanding officer of the Light Infantry had his 
horse shot. 

" 20th. Weather extremely fine. At 2 this morning the 
guards moved, and posted themselves with the light in- 
fantry at the Valley Forge. Wagons employed in the car- 
rying off from the magazine there the rebel stores. This 
morning 5 rebel sentries fired on the guards, who took 
the whole. They slightly wounded one of our officers. 

" 2ist. Sunday. At 5 this morning the army moved. 
Marched 3 miles to the Valley Forge and 2 more to 
Moore Hall, making 5 miles, and there encamped. 

" We found the houses full of military stores. 

^ From the Journal of Captain John Montresor. Chief Engineer of the 
British Army in America in the Revolutionary War. 

103 



" A bridge was ordered to be made across the Schuyl- 
kill at this place where the river is 120 yards, and got 
in great forwardness intending to deceive the enemy. 
Almost every day one or two deserters come in. 

" 22nd. At 5 this morning the Hessian Grenadiers 
passed over the Schuylkill at Gordon's Ford, under fire 
of their artillery and small arms, and returned back, 
being intended as a feint. At the same time the Light 
Infantry and Grenadiers passed over the Schuylkill at 
Fatland Ford without a single shot and there took post. 

" 23rd. Just after 12 this night the whole army 
moved to the opposite side, on North side of the river 
Schuylkill by the way of the Fatland Ford, and by 10 
A. M. the whole Baggage and all had happily passed 
over. 

" Our couriers affirm that the Rebel army principally 
retreated to Reading. On leaving the ground of our last 
encampment we set fire to the Valley Forge and destroyed 
it. 

" 26th. At half past eight this morning army 
marched .... and later took possession of the city." 

THE THREATENED ATTACK 
AT WHITEMARSH 

In a letter to Governor Livingston dated December 
nth, 1777, Washington writes: "General Howe, after 
making great preparations, and threatening to drive us 
beyond the mountains, came out with his whole force 
last Thursday evening, and after manoeuvring round us 
till the Monday following, decamped very hastily and 
marched back to Philadelphia." 

104 



In a letter to Congress dated the day previous (Decem- 
ber lo), after giving a detailed account of these manoeu- 
vres, including a skirmish between the forces on Thurs- 
day and Friday, Washington adds: "I sincerely wish 
that they had made an attack; as the issue, in all prob- 
ability, from the disposition of our troops, and the strong 
situation of our camp, would have been fortunate and 
happy. At the same time I must add that reason, pru- 
dence, and every principle of policy forbade us from 
quitting our post to attack them. Nothing but success 
would have justified the measure; and this could not be 
expected from their position." 

Howe unquestionably was afraid to assail Washing- 
ton, and failing in his efforts to draw him out into open 
combat, gave up the attempt and marched his soldiers 
back to the city. 

The following extract from the diary of Robert 
Morton, an intelligent resident of Philadelphia at the 
time, bears on the point: 

"Dec. 8, 1777. Several reports about the armies, 
but this evening, to the great astonishment of the citizens, 
the army returned. The causes assigned for its speedy 
return are various and contradictory, but ye true reason 
appears to be this, that the army having marched up to 
Washington's lines near to Whitemarsh, and finding him 
strongly posted, thought it most prudent to decline 
making the attack." 

Washington, on receiving intelligence of Howe's 
retreat, said: "Better would it have been for Sir Wilham 
Howe to have fought without victory than thus to declare 
his inability." 

105 



The Whitemarsh Headquarters are still standing 
about half a mile east from Camp Hill Station, on the 
North Penna. Railroad. The house, built of stone, is 
two and a half stories in height, eighty feet front, and 
twenty-seven in depth. Camp Hill, on which part of 
the left wing of the army was posted, is directly in the 
rear of the house. A redoubt known as Fort Washington, 
on the right of the lines, is still well preserved. Near 
this spot a neat memorial granite slab was erected in 
1 89 1 by the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolu- 
tion, which bears the following inscription: "About 
700 feet south of this stone is an American redoubt and 
the site of Howe's threatened attack December 6, 1777. 
From here Washington's army marched to Valley Forge." 

When the army was about to leave Whitemarsh a ten 
dollar prize was offered by the General for the best sub- 
stitute for shoes, a kind of moccasin, made from raw 
hides. Those competing were to have their samples in 
by 9 o'clock the next morning, and the Major-General 
of the day was to serve as judge, and bestow the reward 
upon the successful artist. 

"The next morning (Dec. 12) the want of provis- 
ions — I could weep tears of blood when I say it — the 
want of provisions rendered it impossible to march till 
the evening of that day." — John Laurens to Henry 
Laurens, Dec. 23, 1777. 

"Dec. 1 2th. At 6 P.M. we marched to the bridge 
(made of wagons) which we crossed in Indian file, and 
at 3 A. M. encamped near the Gulph, where we remained 
without tent or blankets in the midst of a severe snow 

storm." — Diary of Lieut. James McMichcel. 

106 



"Dec. 14. It is amazing to see the spirit of the 
soldiers when destitute of shoes and stockings marching 
cold nights and mornings, leaving blood in their foot- 
steps! Yet notwithstanding the fighting disposition of 
the soldiers is great!" — Letter from the army in Contin- 
ental Journal Jan. 15, 1778. 

"Dec. 16. Cold rainy day — Baggage of our Divis- 
ion ordered over the Gulph — were to march at ten — but 
the baggage was ordered back, and for the first time since 
we have been here the tents were pitched to keep the 
men more comfortable." — Dairy of Surgeon Albigence 
Waldo. 

"THE GULPH" 

The Gulph Mill was erected in 1747. It is situated 
at the intersection of the Gulph road with Gulph creek, 
which empties into the Schuylkill at West Conshohocken. 
It is about one and a half miles west of the river and six 
miles southeast of Valley Forge. 

During the army's stay at Valley Forge, the "Gulph," 
or Gulph Mills, was an important post, and a large guard 
was continually kept there. Col. Aaron Burr, then only 
22 years of age, who joined Washington's army at White- 
marsh, was put in command of this guard. His biog- 
rapher, Davis, relates the following characteristic 
anecdote of the intrepid young Colonel. 

"It appears that the militia stationed to guard the pass 
at the Gulph were continually sending false alarms to 
camp, which obliged the officers to get the troops under 
arms, and frequently to keep them on the alert all night. 
These alarms, it was soon found, arose from want of a 

107 



proper system of observation and from a general loose- 
ness of discipline in the corps. General McDougall, 
who well knew the quality of Burr as a soldier, recom- 
mended the Commander-in-Chief to give him the com- 
mand of the post. This was done, which resulted in the 
introduction of a system of such rigorous discipline that 
mutiny was threatened and the death of the Colonel 
resolved upon. This came to the knowledge of Burr, 
and on the evening decided upon (every cartridge first 
having been quietly drawn from the muskets) the de- 
tachment was ordered to parade. When in line one of 
the men stepped from the ranks and levelled his musket 
at him, whereupon Burr raised his sword and struck the 
arm of the mutineer above the elbow, nearly severing it 
from his body. In a few minutes the corps was dis- 
missed, the arm of the mutineer was the next day ampu- 
tated, and no more was heard of the mutiny." 

THOMAS PAINE'S ALLUSION 
TO THE HUTS 

In a letter to Dr. Franklin dated "Yorktown, May 
i6th, 1778," Mr. Paine writes: "General Washington 
keeps his station at Valley Forge. I was there when the 
army first began to build huts. They appeared to me 
like a family of beavers, every one busy; some carried 
logs, some mud, and the rest plastered them together. 
The whole was raised in a few days, and it is a curious 
collection of buildings, in the true rustic order." 

ANOTHER VIEW 

From a letter written by a soldier in camp the fol- 
lowing is taken: "Headquarters, V.F., Dec. 30th, 1 777, 

108 



Tuesday. A considerable number of our men are in 
warm comfortable huts, but others have made little 
progress, the march of several thousand of the enemy 
to Derby, where they remained till the 28th, having 
obliged a considerable body of our men to leave their 
work and watch them." 

McINTOSH'S HEADQUARTERS 

One writer says: "General Mcintosh was quartered 
at the house of Joseph Mann, who lived on the west side 




STERLING SPRING 

of Valley Creek, near Valley Forge. This house has not 
been located." It is more than likely that the house was 
one which stood on the present Riddle property near the 
creek, a hundred or more yards above the present dam. 
This was the old farm-house on the place in the' time of 
the Revolution. Lately having fallen into decay, it was 
torn down in 1907. A pillar of the ruins is preserved, 

109 



and near it a hundred feet to the west is the ancient 
spring and spring-house. The locahty was that of the 
Artificers Camp. Mr. Burk says: "A contemporary 
map, now owned by the Historical Society of Pennsyl- 
vania, shows what other maps do not, the location of a 
Brigade at this point. This was the Carolinian brigade, 
which belonged to Lord Stirling's Division, if the map 
is trustworthy." The Carolinians, however, belonged 
to General Mcintosh's brigade, the latter being com- 
posed of troops from North Carolina and Georgia; and 
if the brigade belonged to Lord Stirling's Division the 
Artificers' site was a most natural and convenient loca- 
tion for it, as Lord Stirling's command included the 
Corps of Engineers. The house referred to, therefore, 
was in all probability the headquarters of General 
Mcintosh, if not, for a time, even that of Lord Stirling 
himself. 

General Smallwood was sent Dec. 19 with a force to 
Wilmington, to establish a post to protect the region 
from the encroachment of Howe's army. This force 
was the Division lately commanded by General Sullivan, 
and consisted of the Maryland troops. 

About Jan. 21st (1778) many Virginia men whose 
term of service had expired were mustered out, or dis- 
charged in squads of 20 or 25. 

Colonel Pickering was Adjutant-General till Jan. 
13th, when called by Congress to a seat at the Board of 
War. Colonel Scammel was then made Adjutant- 
General in his place. 

Isaac Potts was a Quaker minister. He was also 
owner of a grist mill which stood opposite the Head- 
quarters. It was he who is said to have discovered 



Washington kneeling in prayer in a retired spot in the 
woods. After going home he said to his wife with tears 
in his eyes: "If there is one man in the country whose 
prayer God Almighty will hear it is General Washington." 

THE NAVY IN 1776 

The Revolution began without a single armed vessel. 
In 1775 Rhode Island began by fitting out two small 
schooners to defend the coasting trade, and Connecticut 
provided two for the same purpose. Rhode Island also 




THE POTTS MANSION 

( Washintjton's Headquarters ) 



was the first to recommend to Congress the formation 
of a naval force, and in December 1775 Congress put 
into commission about thirteen vessels carrying less than 
a hundred guns. Thus began the gallant American 
navy. The first naval battle occurred about three weeks 
after the battle of Lexington. The first to cause the 
striking of the British flag on the ocean was a Captain 
Wheaton. After the peace of 1783 the first American 



flag displayed in the Thames at London was on board 
the "WilHam Penn," a curious coincidence. Its com- 
mander was Captain Josiah. Its appearance created 
considerable excitement and indignation among the 
people. When from a group of ladies arose an expres- 
sion of astonishment at the Captain's presumption and 
audacity, the wife of the Captain tartly repHed, "When 
we win gold, we wear it." 

In October 1777 while General Howe was in posses- 
sion of Philadelphia, though many of the inhabitants 
had left the city because of the war or a dread of the 
British, an accurate census was taken by order of Gen- 
eral Cornwallis, and reported as follows: Houses in 
city, 3,508, empty 587, stores, 287. Inhabitants 21,767, 
exclusive of the army and strangers. 

PATRIOTISM AMONG THE LADIES 

A lady of Philadelphia, writing to an officer in the 
British army who had been intimate in her family before 
the war, thus expresses to him the patriotic feelings of 
her sex: 

"I assure you that though we consider you as a public 
enemy we regard you as a private friend, and while we 
detest the cause you are fighting for, we wish well to 
your personal interest and safety. I will tell you what I 
have done. My only brother I have sent to the camp 
with my prayers and blessings; and had I twenty sons 
and brothers they should go to emulate the great exam- 
ples before them. I have retrenched every superfluous 
expense in my table and family. Tea I have not drunk 
since last Christmas, nor bought a new cap or gown since 
your defeat at Lexington. I have the pleasure to assure 



you that these are the sentiments of all my sister Ameri- 
cans. They have sacrificed assembHes, parties, tea- 
drinkings, and finery, to the great spirit of patriotism. 
If these are our sentiments, what must be the resolu- 
tions of our husbands hut to die or he free! All ranks of 
men among us are in arms. Nothing is heard in our 
streets but the trumpet and drum, and the universal 
cry is: * Americans to Arms ' " — Watson^s Annals. 

At the time of the Revolution the v^oods in the neigh- 
borhood of Valley Forge had ceased almost entirely to 
be inhabited by wild game. Deer were captured as 
late as 1770, bear as late as 1771, while the killing of a 
wolf is reported as late as 1780. Fish, both in the 
Schuylkill river and its tributaries, were found in great 
abundance. 

At the time of the encampment Norristown was a 
farm, and belonged to one John Bull, whose barn the 
British burned the day after they burned the Valley 
Forge, as they passed through the region on their way 
toward Philadelphia. John Bull, notwithstanding' his 
name, was a strong Whig, hence the burning affection 
shown him by his British visitors. 

The first house erected in Norristown is said to have 
been framed in Valley Forge and floated down the 
Schuylkill River. 

During the past half century many mementoes of 
the encampment have been dug up within the lines. 
In the spring of 1857 William Kennedy turned up with 
his plow several 12 and 15-pound cannon balls, and a 
number of axes. Such articles also as pewter plates and 
spoons, bayonets, fragments of muskets, musket-balls, 
etc., have been found. 

"3 



A LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 

Perhaps the first circulating hbrary estabHshed any- 
where in the region of Valley Forge was one which existed 
from 1798 to 1802 at the "Corner Stores," about four 
miles distant on the road to Phoenixville. This library 
contained at least seventy-six books, including the 
Spectator, Milton's Poems, Josephus' History, and 
others; and its membership included about 25 persons. 
Among them were John and Benjamin Longstreth, 
Jacob and Matthias Pennypacker, William Davis, John 
Jacobs, Moses Robinson, Daniel Sower, and others. 
The last-named gentleman was a son of Christopher 
Sower, Jr., and grandson of Christopher Sower, acknowl- 
edged to be "probably the most famous and important 
of Pennsylvania printers and pubKshers." They pub- 
lished the Bible three times, and the New Testament 
seven times in German many years before it appeared 
in English in America. A pubhc journal was printed at 
Germantown in the German language by Christopher 
Sower as early as 1739. Its name (Anglicized) was 
"The Pennsylvania Recorder of Events." In 1744 it 
was continued by Christopher Sower, Jr., under the 
name of "The Germantown Zeitung," and published 
till the year of the war, 1777. This publishing house is 
still in existence in Philadelphia. 

A STUNNING NEWSPAPER PARAGRAPH 

As a sample of the extravagant war reports that now 
and then gained circulation during the Revolution, the 
following will be of interest, taken from the New York 
Gazette during the British occupation of New York City : 

114 



"June 28, 1777, Saturday. 

Since Thursday a report has prevailed that there 
had been a smart battle in the Jerseys. After the King's 
troops had embarked, and the day appointed for the 
sailing of the expedition, the General received intelli- 
gence that the rebel army was v^ithin three miles of Am- 
boy. The troops were disembarked and marched in the 
night to surprise Washington. The reports vary much. 
1,000 killed of the King's troops, 5 or 6,000 of the rebels, 
and as many taken prisoners with their artillery: Wash- 
ington was among the slain, Stirling dead of his wounds; 
Governor Livingston likewise; 400 Pennsylvanians had 
grounded their arms, and come over to the regulars. 
Seventy were taken prisoners who, together with a couple 
of field pieces, were brought to the city." 

John Waterman was Commissary of General Var- 
num's brigade. The troops of this brigade were en- 
camped near the star redoubt. The following extract 
from a letter written by Captain William Allen, of the 
Rhode Island Continental Line, informs us of the date 
of Mr. Waterman's death: 

"Camp Valley Forge, 24th Apr. 1778. 

"Dear Sir, Captain Tew and myself arrived safe 
to post the 22nd inst.; found the encampment in perfect 
tranquility, and the enemy peaceable in their quarters. 
Am sorry to inform you that yesterday died of a short 
illness that worthy gentleman, John Waterman, Esq., 
Commissary to our brigade. 

"Humble Servant, 

Wm. Allen." 



OATH OF ALLEGIANCE 

February 3rd, 1778, while the army was at Valley 
Forge, a resolution was passed by Congress requiring 
all officers, civil as well as military, holding commissions 
under that body to take, and subscribe to, an oath or 
affirmation of allegiance to the United States. Follow- 
ing is a copy of the oath subscribed to by an officer in 
camp: 

"I, James Glentworth, Lieutenant of the 6th Penna. 
Reg't., do acknowledge the United States of America 
to be Free, Independent and Sovereign, and declare 
that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience 
to George the Third, king of Great Britain, and I 
renounce, refuse and abjure any allegiance or obedience 
to him, and I do swear that I will to the utmost of my 
power support, maintain, and defend the said United 
States against the said king George the Third, his heirs 
and successors, and his and their assistants and adher- 
ents, and I will serve the said United States in the office 
of Lieutenant which I hold with fidelity according to 
the best of my skill and understanding. 

James Glentworth." 

"Sworn to at the Valley Forge Camp this nth day 
of May, 1778, before me 

Stirling, M. G." 

MARTHA WASHINGTON 

Mrs. Martha Washington's custom was to join her 
husband each year and spend a month or two with him 
while the army was in winter quarters. On these occa- 
sions she took a profound interest in the welfare of the 

116 



soldiers, spending much of her time in ministering to 
their comfort, and at all times entertained toward her 
hero husband the deepest sympathy in the details and 
responsibilities of his position. 

Mr. John Hunter (in his letter of 1785, quoted else- 
where) notes "what pleasure she took in the fifes and 
drums, preferring it to any music that was ever heard" — 
and to see the troops reviewed a week or two before the 
men were disbanded, when they were all well clothed, 
was, she said, 'a most heavenly sight.' 

She came to camp at Valley Forge on Feb. loth, 
though she had been looked for by the General for 
several days previous. The next day, Feb. nth, old 
style, was the General's birthday, and was no doubt 
joyously, though quietly, celebrated at the Potts mansion, 
an extra dish or two, prepared by the hand of the thought- 
ful wife, being added in honor of the occasion to the daily 
menu. That the nth was the date usually recognized 
and observed as Washington's birthday at "that time, 
instead of the 22nd as now (new style), is shown from 
the following item which appeared in the "New Haven 
Gazette" of March i6th, 1786: "Richmond, Va. 
February 15. Saturday last (the nth) being the birth- 
day of his Excellency, George Washington (when he 
entered the 54th year of his age), an elegant ball was 
given on the occasion at the Capitol in this city, where 
were a numerous assembly of gentlemen and ladies." 

"FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY" 

Perhaps the earliest use of this epithet, as applied 
to Washington, is that which occurs in a German Alma- 
nac, "The Nord Americanisch Almanac" for the year 

117 



1779 (the year after he was at Valley Forge), size, small 
quarto, printed at Lancaster, Pa. In the front piece, 
full size of page, an emblematic design presents in its 
upper portion a figure of Fame with a trumpet in her 
right hand, and in her left a medallion portrait laureated 
inscribed: "Waschington." From the trumpet proceed 
the words: "Des Landes Vater" — "The Father of the 
Country." 

TRIBUTE TO WASHINGTON 

"And what shall I say of him who bears on his heart 
the weight of all! Who can measure the anxieties that 
afflict his mind ? Who weigh the burdens that he has to 
bear ? Who but himself can ever know the responsi- 
bilities that rest upon his soul .? Behold him in yonder 
cottage, his lamp burning steadily through half the 
winter night, his brain never at rest, his hand always 
busy, his pen ever at work, now counselling with Greene 
how to clothe and feed the troops, or with Steuben how 
to reorganize the service; now writing to Howe about 
exchanges, or to Livingston about the relief of prisoners, 
or to Clinton about supplies, or to Congress about enlist- 
ments, or promotions, or finances, or the French alliance; 
opposing foolish and rash counsels to-day, urging prompt 
and vigorous policies to-morrow; now calming the 
jealousy of Congress, now soothing the wounded pride 
of ill-used officers; now answering the complaints of 
the civil authority, and now those of the starving soldiers, 
whose sufferings he shares, and by his cheerful courage 
keeping up the hearts of both. Modest in the midst of 
pride, wise in the midst of folly, calm in the midst of 
passion, cheerful in the midst of gloom, steadfast among 

ii8 



the wavering, hopef^ul among the despondent, bold 
among the timid, prudent among the rash, generous 
among the selfish, true among the faithless, greatest 
among good men, and greatest among the great — such 
was George Washington at Valley Forge." 

AN AFTER VISIT TO THE OLD CAMP 

Washington made a flying visit to Valley Forge nine 
years after the encampment while attending the Conti- 
nental Congress in Philadelphia, as is learned from his 
diary, which reads as follows: — 

"1787, July 30, near Valley Forge: In company 
with Mr. Govr. (Gouverneur) Morris, and in his Phaeton 
with my horses, went up to one Jane Moore's in the 
vicinity of Valley Forge, to get trout. 

Tuesday, July 31, at Valley Forge: Whilst Mr. 
Morris was fishing I rid over the old cantonment of the 
American (Army) of the winter 1777 & 8 — Visited all 
the Works wch were in ruins; and the Incampments in 
woods where the ground had not been cultivated. On 
my return to Mrs. Moore's I found Mr. Robt. Morris 
and his Lady there." 

The stopping place here referred to was not Moore 
Hall, but the home of a Mrs. Jane Moore, one mile west 
of the Schuylkill river on Trout Creek, which empties 
into the Schuylkill three miles below Valley Creek. 

Washington does not here speak of the appearance 
of the place on this visit, further than to say that all the 
works were in ruins. 

Six years earlier, or three and a half years after the 
Encampment the place was revisited by Lieut. Enos 

119 



Reeves, of the Pennsylvania Line, who makes the fol- 
lowing reference to it in a letter to a friend: 

" September, 1781 — 

On Monday Lieut. McLean and I set off for the city 
of Philadelphia. Came around by the springs, lost our 
way by going the back road, and found ourselves near 
the Bull Tavern at the Valley Forge. We dined near 
Moor Hall, came through our old encampment, or rather 
first huts of the whole Army. Some of the officers' huts 
are inhabited, but the greater part are decayed; some 
are split up into rails, and a number of fine fields are to 
be seen on the level ground that was cleared, but in places 
where they have left the shoots grow it is already like 
a half-grown young wood.'* 

WASHINGTON'S CAREER IN BRIEF 

George Washington was born February 22nd (nth. 
Old Style), 1732 — Served as Colonel with Braddock in 
the French war at the age of 23 — Was elected by the 
Second Congress Commander-in-Chief "of all the forces 
raised, and to be raised for the defence of the Colonies" 
June 15, 1775, two days before the battle of Bunker Hill. 
Was 45 years of age while at Valley Forge — Resigned his 
commission at the close of the war, Dec. 23, 1783 — ^Was 
President of the convention held in May, 1787, for the 
formation of the Constitution — Wsls chosen President 
of the United States by unanimous vote of the electors 
April 6, 1789 (inaugurated April 30) — ^Was elected for 
a second term, serving in all from 1789-97 — Delivered 
his noted farewell address to his countrymen early in the 
autumn of 1796 (Sept. 19), and on the 4th of March, 



I797> retired from office, following for the rest of his days, 
at Mount Vernon, the quiet pursuits of agriculture. 
He died Dec. 14th, 1799, when almost 68 years of age, 
and is buried at Mount Vernon. 

LENGTH AND COST OF THE WAR 

The war for American Independence began with the 
skirmish at Lexington on the 19th of April, 1775, and 
ended eight years later with the Treaty of Peace signed 
at Paris, September 3rd, 1783, in which England acknowl- 
edged the independence of the colonies. On the 2nd of 
March in that year the preliminary treaty arrived, 
signed in Paris, November 30th, 1782, and on the eighth 
anniversary of the battle of Lexington (April 19th, 1783) 
a cessation of hostilities was proclaimed in the army. 
On the 3rd of November, of that year, the army was 
disbanded by a general order of Congress. 

The British army evacuated the city of New York 
and embarked for home on November 25th, carrying 
with it the last insignia of Royal power in the United 
States. The most signal triumphs of the American 
army during the war were at Saratoga and Yorktown, 
the latter being the decisive battle. George the HI was 
then on the throne of Great Britain, Louis the XVI on 
the throne of France, and Joseph II on the throne of 
Germany. 

The financial cost of the war to the United States 
was ^135,193,700, and to England 136,000,000 sterling. 

The total number of Continental troops enlisted was 
231,959. Militia 58,747. 



DEVELOPMENT OF PATRIOTIC 

SENTIMENT CONCERNING 

VALLEY FORGE 



FOR nearly a century after the famous encamp- 
ment Valley Forge as a place of sacred interest 
was given but little public consideration. Mean- 
while its historic fortifications were slowly becoming 
effaced by the action of the elements and the tread 
of civilization. 

Foremost among those who first were impressed 
and pained by the general apathy concerning the place, 
and sought to arouse public sentiment in its favor, was 
Mary E. Thropp, afterwards Mrs. Mary E. Thropp 
Cone. 

Her father was Isaiah Thropp, and her maternal 
grandfather John Workizer, both of whom in their day 
and generation were among the most respected and 
influential citizens of the historic village. 

Born and reared under the shadow of its hills, and 
with an intense love for her native heath, she developed 
even in her school-girl days a zeal and ambition to be of 
service in awakening public interest in the place, and 
from thence on, with this object in view, she labored 
continuously by pen and personal endeavor till in time 
her labors were rewarded. 

The direct fruitage of this effort, combined with that 
of others who had become interested, was the ''Valley 
Forge Centennial Association," formed December i8th. 



1 877- Its President was Isaac W. Smith, of Valley 
Forge, at whose house the organization was formed; 
its Secretary, John Robb; its Treasurer, John W. 
Eckman. Other gentlemen present at the formation 
were Col. Theo. Bean, Dr. N. A. Pennypacker, Gen. 
B. F. Fisher, Maj. R. R. Corson, Charles Ramey, 
Maj. B. F. Bean, I. H. Todd, Chas. Mercer, John Rowan, 
and Daniel Webster. The special purpose of the Asso- 
ciation was to arrange for a patriotic demonstration on 
the one hundredth anniversary of the encampment then 
approaching, which was successfully carried out in a 
well-planned celebration of the event held on the grounds 
June 19th, 1878, with an interesting and varied program 
of exercises, the effect of which, was to give untold im- 
petus to the cause. 

Mrs. Cone, then at Para, Brazil, whither her husband, 
Mr. Andrew Cone, in the spring of 1876 had been sent 
as United States Consul, was solicited to write a poem 
for the occasion, and in response produced and forwarded 
her interesting "Valley Forge Centennial Poem," of 
nearly one hundred and fifty lines, the reading of which 
formed a part of the program. After her return to this 
country, and the subsequent death of her husband, she 
continued her efforts along the line of her long cherished 
project, and in 1882 became the originator and Presi- 
dent of the "Valley Forge Monument Association," the 
purpose of which, in addition to the raising of money 
for the object, was to arouse a general public sentiment 
that would induce Congress to make an appropriation 
for the erection at Valley Forge of a substantial granite 
shaft upon which might be chiselled in outline the story 
of the encampment. With this in view public meetings 

123 



were held in various parts of the country; the interest 
and support of many prominent persons were enhsted, 
and an appeal was ultimately made to Congress for an 
appropriation. Miss Amelia Thropp, sister of Mrs. 
Cone, was Secretary of this Association, and Mr. Anthony 
J. Drexel, of Philadelphia, its Treasurer. 

In the meantime, as an outgrowth of the Centennial 
Celebration, another, if not perhaps a rival, organiza- 
tion had been formed, entitled: "The Valley Forge 
Centennial Memorial Association," of which Mrs. Anna 
M. Holstine, of Bridgeport, was made Lady Regent. 
The object of this Association was to raise money for 
the purchase and maintenance of the "Washington 
Headquarters'' as a suitable memorial of the encamp- 
ment. Appeal was made to patriotic citizens for contri- 
butions of a dollar or more, the contributors to receive 
in return certificates of stock at a dollar per share; and 
in time the property, including the house and one-and- 
a-half acres of ground, was bought for ;^6,ooo, one-half 
of the amount being secured by a mortgage. Difficulty, 
however, was afterwards experienced in raising even the 
interest on the mortgage, and an appeal was made to 
the "Patriotic Order of the Sons of America," at its 
convention in Norristown in 1885, which came at once 
to the Memorial Association's relief, and in a very short 
time paid off the debt upon the property, obtaining in 
return from the Association 3,600 shares of stock, and a 
voice in its management. 

An appeal to Congress was made by this Association 
also for an appropriation toward its work, but when it 
became apparent that no aid for either society could be 
obtained from that source, appeal was made by both 

124 



to the Pennsylvania legislature for aid from the State. 
An appropriation of ^5,000 was made by the State to the 
work of the "Memorial Association," and with this in 
1887 improvements were made to the Headquarters, 
restoring it as nearly as possible to its original condition, 
and a warden's lodge was built. 

By this time public sentiment, instead of crystalizing 
in favor of the monument idea, seemed to be gaining 
rapidly in favor of a State reservation which should 
embrace as large a portion as possible of the historic 
camp-grounds. Finally, with the accomplishment of 
such a project in view, June 8th, 1893, under an Act 
of the Legislature passed May 30th of that year, the 
** Valley Forge Park Commission" was created: "to 
acquire, maintain and preserve forever the Revolution- 
ary Camp Grounds at Valley Forge for the free enjoy- 
ment of the people." 

An appropriation of $25,000 was made for the pur- 
pose of the Commission, at the time of its appointment; 
in 1895 the sum of ;^io,ooo more was appropriated and 
other amounts have since been added. 

The Commission as at present constituted, includes 
W. H. Sayen, President; Samuel S. Hartranft, Treas- 
urer, J. P. Hale Jenkins, M. G, Brumbaugh, John 
P. Nicholson, WilHam A. Patton, John W. Jordan, 
Richmond L. Jones; John T. Windrum, and A. H. 
Bowen, Secretary and Superintendent. 

On the occurrence of the 125th Anniversary of the 
evacuation of the Valley Forge encampment, a fitting 
celebration of the event was held, June 19th, 1903, under 
the management of the "Valley Forge Anniversary 
Association," organized in Philadelphia in December 

125 



of the previous year. The officers of this Association 
were General B. F. Fisher, of Valley Forge, President; 
J. P. Hale Jenkins, Esq., of Norristown, Vice-President; 
George N. Malsburg, of Pottstown, Treasurer; and John 
O. K. Robarts, of Phoenixville, Secretary. The exercises 
were presided over by Hon. S. W Pennypacker, then 
Governor of the State, and consisted of a military salute, 
music, patriotic addresses, the reading of Mrs. Thropp 
Cone's poem "The Sentinel of Valley Forge," and other 
interesting features, which together occupied the most 
of the day. The Musical Director was Mr. John O. K. 
Robarts, who, it may be further noted, directed the 
music at the Centennial Celebration in 1878, and at other 
celebrations occurring in 1879 ^^^ i^^?? ^s well as that 
of 1903, and still lives to sing. 

In the same year, 1903, the Park Commission ob- 
tained an appropriation of ^93,650, enabling it greatly 
to extend its operations in the way of improvement and 
additional purchase; and on June 15th, 1905, by arrange- 
ment with the "Memorial Association," it took over into 
its possession the Headquarters, paying the Association 
^18,000 for the property. Its latest acquisition is the 
plot of ground in front of the Headquarters, taking in the 
Valley Creek and extending from the railroad arch to 
the bridge on the Gulph road — a plot which has been 
transformed into an attractive green. 

Thus has the Valley Forge idea grown in its pro- 
portions from a patriotic sentiment, inflaming the hearts 
and inspiring the action of a noble few, until it has 
awakened response in the liberty-loving breasts of mil- 
lions, and embodied itself in a memorial enduring as 
time, and eminently worthy of the glorious cause. A 

u6 



bill is at present before Congress, recommending the 
appropriation of ;^ioo,ooo for the erection of two 
memorial arches in the park, and with fair prospec 
of favorable action. Would it be extravagant to cherish 
the hope that some day the National government may 
take the entire enterprise under its wing and establish 
in Valley Forge a National Military Post r 




i^l 



INDEX 



Agriculture 56 

Allegiance, oath of 115 

American Revolution 120, 121 

Anniversary Ass'n 124 

Arch, Memorial 28, 126 

Armory, Springfield 95 

Army, Continental 19 

Arnold, Gen. B 82 

Arsenals 95 

Artificers 32, 78 

Bake-ovens 52 

Baptists, letter to 34 

Barracks, old 18 

Bridge, Sullivan's 27, 42, 63 

Bull, John 112 

Bull Tavern 35 

Burr, Col. Aaron 106 

Burying Ground 52 

Camp Store 66 

Centennial Ass'n 121 

Centennial Memorial Ass'n 123 

Chadd's Ford 58 

Charleville Musket 98 

Churches 33, 34, 44 

Colonial Spring 36 

Congress 126 

Conway Cabal 75, 76 

Corner Stores 35, 113 

Cornwallis, Genl Ill 

Cotton ! 57 

Court Martials 73 

129 



Daily Ration 66, 70 

Daughters, Am. Rev 42, 44 

Dewees, Col. Wm 16, 30, 90, 92 

Dreyse, Nicholas ; 97 

Drudgery, Camp 77 

Dubuysson, Col 94 

Duportail, Genl 61, 65, 78 

Encampment 13, 18, 20, 21, 28, 60 

Entrenchments 39, 40 

Evacuation Day 26 

"Father of His Country" 116, 117 

Fatland Ford 16, 27, 59, 63, 103 

Ferguson rifle 97 

Flogging 74 

Forge, Old 30, 31, 38, 90, 103 

Forsythe gun 97 

Fortifications 64 

Fort Huntington 40, 44 

Fort Washington 38, 39, 46 

Fountain Inn 35 

Franklin, Benj 107 

French creek 16, 34 

Fulton, Robt 54 

Game, wild 112 

Generals in camp 75 

Gordon's Ford .^ 59, 103 

Grist Mill .' 98 

Gulph Mills 58, 60, 106 

Gulph road 17, 29, 30, 35 

Gun Factory 32, 94, 96 

Hospitals 89 

Howe, Genl 104 

Huts, camp 21, 22, 44 

Huts, Hospital 52, 71 

Huts, Provost Guard 72 

Jug Hollow 100 

130 



Knauer's Paper Mill 99 

Knox Headquarters ' . 52 

Lafayette, Genl 65, 94 

Landing, Riddle's . 15, 108 

Letters from Camp 31, 82-85 

Library, Circulating S2, 113 

Livingston, Gov 103 

Malin, Joshua 37, 96 

Manufactures 57 

Markers 39, 52, 64 

Matson's Ford 58 60 

Mementos of Encampment 112 

Memorial Chapel 39, 43, 44 

Mcintosh, Genl 108 

Monmouth 27 

Montresor, Capt. John 102 

Moore Hall 35, 118 

Monument Ass'n 122 

Monument, Waterman 42, 44 

Monument, Wayne 48, 50 

Mortality in camp 23 

Mount Joy 15, 16 

Mount Joy Manor 17, 90 

Mount Joy Observatory 38, 47 

Mount Misery 15, 16 

Musketry 97 

Navy in 1776 110 

Newspapers in 1776 55, 114 

Norristown in 1776 112 

Notables in camp 77 

Ogden, Joseph 99 

Paine, Thos 107 

Paoli Massacre 58 

Park Commission 46, 124 

Parker's Ford 58 

Patriotism of the women 121 

Penn, William. 16, 90 

131 



Pennypacker, Hon. S- W 50 

Philadelphia, Population 54, 111 

Phila. and Reading Ry 55 

Pickering, Col 109 

Picnic Grounds 46, 124 

Pioneers 79 

P. O. S. of A 32, 124 

Postal service in 1776 55 

Potts David 16, 90, 96 

Potts Isaac 30, 109 

Pottsgrove 102 

Reveille 62 

Religious services 78 

Revisit to old camp 118, 119 

Rogers, John and Chas 37 

Shoddy Mill 100 

Slab Tavern 35 

Smallwood, Genl 109 

Sower, Christopher; Daniel 113 

Sparks from Camp Fires 71 

Star Redoubt 42 

Steuben, Genl 35, 36, 80 

Stirling, Genl 109 

Stirling Spring 108 

Straw 22 

Sutlery 67. 68 

Swedes' Ford 58, 60 

Teaching in 1776 56 

Thanksgiving 26, 61 

Thropp, Isaiah 33, 121 

Todd, I. H 42, 44, 71 

Tribute to Washington 117 

Valley Creek 29 

Valley Forge Inn 37 

Valley Forge, The 16, 90 

Valley Forge Village 14, 16, 17, 29, 39 

Varnum's Headquarters 40 



Washington, Genl 13, 19, 30, 110 

Washington, Birthday of 116 

Washington, Burdens of 24 

Washington, Career of 119 

Washington, Dinner with 69 

Washington, Headquarters of . . . 29 

Washington, Life Guard of 39, 76 

Washington, Martha 25, 69, 115 

Washington, War Horses of 80 

Washington Inn 39, 43 

Washington Spring 38 

Whitemarsh 104, 105 

Williams' Corners 34 

Woolen Mill : 37 

Workizer, John 33, 34, 121 




LbJa'li 



VALLEY FORGE 

GUIDE AND HAND-BOOK 




What 



to see in 

Park 

and 



Village 



COMPLETE COMPENDIUM OF 
INFORMATION 



PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY 
PHILADELPHIA 



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